ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
Table of Contents
How to Use This Handbook .................................................................................................................................. 5
Student Code of Conduct & Sanctions ................................................................................................................. 5
Relationship Between Student and College ..................................................................................................... 5
Supervision of the Student Code of Conduct ................................................................................................... 5
Inherent Authority of the College .................................................................................................................... 5
Authority of College Departments, Living Units, Dining Services and Student Organizations ........................ 6
Definitions ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Offenses ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
Investigation and Sanction Procedures for Alleged Violations of Student Conduct...................................... 11
Penalties and Sanctions ................................................................................................................................. 12
Disciplinary Process ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Rights and Responsibilities of Accused in the Disciplinary Process ............................................................... 13
College Hearing Panel Procedures ................................................................................................................. 14
Appeal Process ............................................................................................................................................... 15
Title IX Procedures ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Pregnant and Parenting Students .............................................................................................................. 16
Student Policies & Procedures ........................................................................................................................... 17
Grievances and Complaints............................................................................................................................ 17
Student Grievance Procedure .................................................................................................................... 17
Student Feedback/Complaint Procedure................................................................................................... 17
Academic Freedom for Students ................................................................................................................... 18
Behavior Intervention Team/BIT.................................................................................................................... 18
Students with Special Needs .......................................................................................................................... 18
Steps to Obtain Accommodations ............................................................................................................. 18
Service & Assistance Animal Policy ................................................................................................................ 19
Academic Integrity Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 20
College Closings.............................................................................................................................................. 20
Emergency Notification System (ENS) ........................................................................................................... 20
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
Parking Regulations........................................................................................................................................ 20
Tobacco-Free Campus .................................................................................................................................... 21
Drug-Free Campus ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Legal Sanctions for Possession & Distribution of Illicit Drugs or Unlawful Possession of Alcohol............. 21
Conduct of Campus Visitors ........................................................................................................................... 23
Crime Prevention ........................................................................................................................................... 23
Reporting Criminal Activities ...................................................................................................................... 24
Harassment & Discrimination ........................................................................................................................ 24
Definitions .................................................................................................................................................. 24
Reporting Procedures ................................................................................................................................ 25
Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Domestic/Dating Violence, Stalking ..................................................... 25
Definitions .................................................................................................................................................. 26
Reporting Procedures ................................................................................................................................ 28
Support for Students .................................................................................................................................. 29
Investigative & Hearing Procedures ........................................................................................................... 29
College Student Email & Procedures ............................................................................................................. 31
Electronic Communications Policy ................................................................................................................. 32
Reproduction of Copyrighted Material .......................................................................................................... 32
Bloodborne Pathogens................................................................................................................................... 32
Chronic Communicable Diseases ................................................................................................................... 32
Student Right-to-Know Information .................................................................................................................. 33
Student Right-to-Know Website .................................................................................................................... 33
ECC Education Equity Statement ................................................................................................................... 33
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ........................................................................................................... 34
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 and Release of Student Information ................................ 34
Higher Education Act Amendment of 1998 ................................................................................................... 35
Crime Awareness & Campus Security Act of 1990......................................................................................... 35
Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act Amendment of 1989........................................................................ 36
Student Enrollment & Registration Information................................................................................................ 37
Enrollment...................................................................................................................................................... 37
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Fresh Start Policy............................................................................................................................................ 37
Student Load .................................................................................................................................................. 37
Registration .................................................................................................................................................... 37
Changes in Registration.............................................................................................................................. 38
Grades, Classifications & Graduation............................................................................................................. 38
Grading System .......................................................................................................................................... 38
Computing Your Grade Point Average (GPA) ............................................................................................. 39
Student Classification ..................................................................................................................................... 39
Residency ....................................................................................................................................................... 39
Graduation & Commencement ...................................................................................................................... 39
Student Transcripts, Billing & Withdrawal ..................................................................................................... 40
Transcripts .................................................................................................................................................. 40
Billing .......................................................................................................................................................... 40
Adding & Dropping Classes ........................................................................................................................ 40
Withdrawal From All Classes ...................................................................................................................... 41
Administrative Withdrawal Policy.............................................................................................................. 41
Leave of Absence Policy ............................................................................................................................. 42
Identification (ID) Cards ................................................................................................................................. 42
International Students ................................................................................................................................... 43
Attendance ..................................................................................................................................................... 43
Courses for Academic Preparation ................................................................................................................ 43
College Transfer ............................................................................................................................................. 43
Departments & Services Information ................................................................................................................ 44
Bookstore ....................................................................................................................................................... 44
Buena Vista University, Iowa Falls Center...................................................................................................... 44
Bulletin Boards & TV Monitors....................................................................................................................... 44
Career Assistance ........................................................................................................................................... 44
Counseling ...................................................................................................................................................... 45
Dale Howard Family Activity Center .............................................................................................................. 45
Drug, Alcohol, Gambling & Crisis Services ..................................................................................................... 45
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Ellsworth College Foundation & Board of Trustees ....................................................................................... 46
Financial Aid ................................................................................................................................................... 46
Food Service ................................................................................................................................................... 46
Health Services ............................................................................................................................................... 46
The Hub .......................................................................................................................................................... 46
Osgood Library ............................................................................................................................................... 47
Recycling ........................................................................................................................................................ 48
Residence Life & Housing (Student Housing)................................................................................................. 48
Residence Hall Rates .................................................................................................................................. 49
Making Room Reservations ....................................................................................................................... 49
Staff Directory ................................................................................................................................................ 49
Testing Services .............................................................................................................................................. 49
TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) ..................................................................................................... 49
Veterans Information ..................................................................................................................................... 50
Vocational Rehabilitation Services ................................................................................................................. 50
Student Engagement (Activities & Organizations) ............................................................................................. 50
Athletics ......................................................................................................................................................... 50
Clubs & Organizations .................................................................................................................................... 51
Convocations .................................................................................................................................................. 51
Intramurals ..................................................................................................................................................... 51
Music .............................................................................................................................................................. 51
Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Iota Omega Chapter................................................................................................. 51
Spirit Squads................................................................................................................................................... 52
Student Ambassadors .................................................................................................................................... 52
Student Senate ............................................................................................................................................... 52
Youth For Understanding (YFU) ..................................................................................................................... 52
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
How to Use This Handbook
All ECC students are responsible for knowing and applying the information included in this handbook, and for
complying with all rules, regulations, codes and policies specified.
Student Code of Conduct & Sanctions
Relationship Between Student and College
Through voluntary entrance to the College, the student indicates a willingness to subscribe to the College’s
rules, regulations and policies and acknowledges the right of the College to initiate appropriate disciplinary
actions when they are violated.
The Student Code of Conduct is intended to assist the College in fulfilling its mission and purposes as an
academic institution. All members of the academic community share in the responsibility to establish and
maintain the general conditions conducive to the fundamental academic freedoms to teach and to learn. The
Code of Conduct shall be construed and enforced to secure these freedoms.
In cases where appropriate, the College attempts to resolve instances of student misconduct through
informal methods before resorting to the procedures in the Code of Conduct. Informal methods include
meeting with the parties in conflict, as well as academic advisors, administrators or others. However, the
disciplinary procedures in the Code of Conduct will be invoked when appropriate at the discretion of the
College. Every regulation shall be as clear and specific as possible. Disciplinary sanctions shall be
commensurate with the seriousness of the respective offense. Accordingly, repeated violations may justify
increasingly severe disciplinary sanctions. All regulations shall be in writing and shall be published,
distributed, or posted in such a manner as to furnish notice to all students affected by such regulations. This
written Code provides constitutionally required notice to students, faculty, and administrators concerning
the institution’s policies and procedures with respect to disciplinary matters.
Supervision of the Student Code of Conduct
Primary responsibility for the supervision of student conduct has been mandated to the Dean of Students &
Academic Affairs’ Office. This office will establish such administrative procedures as may be necessary to
fulfill the intent of this Code.
Inherent Authority of the College
The standards and procedures set forth in this document are those the College normally follows in
disciplinary matters. The College reserves the right to take whatever disciplinary action is appropriate
(including immediate suspension) to protect the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and College
property.
These policies and procedures will be reviewed and updated annually by the College. The College may make
minor modifications to procedures that do not materially jeopardize the fairness owed to any
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party. However, the College may also vary procedures materially with notice (on the institutional website,
with appropriate date of effect identified) upon determining that changes to law or regulation require policy
or procedural alterations not reflected in College policy or procedure. Procedures in effect at the time of its
implementation will apply. Policy in effect at the time of the offense will apply even if the policy is changed
subsequently, unless the parties consent to be bound by the current policy.
Authority of College Departments, Living Units, Dining Services and Student Organizations
The Student Code of Conduct does not limit the authority and discretion vested in the various College
departments (including, without limitation, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics), residence hall and
dining hall staff, student leaders and staff, and student organization leaders and staff to investigate and
sanction students and student organizations within their jurisdictions in accordance with their rules,
regulations and policies.
Definitions
1. “Accused” means a student or student organization charged with misconduct.
2. “Student Code of Conduct” or “Code” refers to this document containing the rules, regulations and
policies that govern student behavior.
3. “The College” refers to Iowa Valley Community College District (i.e.: Marshalltown Community College,
Ellsworth Community College, Iowa Valley Grinnell, Iowa Valley Continuing Education).
4. “Complainant” means a student, student organization, faculty member or staff member who files a
complaint against a student or student organization with the Dean of Students & Academic Affairs’
Office.
5. “Disciplinary Counseling” refers to positive influences intended to modify the student’s unacceptable
behavior. Students who are involved in violations of the Code of Conduct may be required to be involved
in the following:
a. “Individual Counseling” – Referral of an individual to a College success specialist for individual
counseling for a definite period of time. Though a definite period of time may be mandated, in
general the counselor involved shall have significant authority both in the counseling sessions
and the length of time required. The purpose is to encourage and be supportive of positive
behavior exhibited by the student on a continuing basis. In special cases, a faculty member may
fulfill the counseling role either in addition to or in place of a counselor.
b. “Disciplinary Counseling on a Group Basis” – Similar to the philosophy and approach referred to
in individual counseling except the counselor would work with students on a group basis rather
than as individuals. The decision would be made by the counselor involved coupled with the
recommendations of the disciplinary committees.
6. “Expulsion” means a person’s status as a student at the College is terminated with no right of readmission.
7. “Misconduct” is defined as student violation of the College rules, regulations or policies and any other
conduct that adversely affects or threatens to adversely affect the safety of students, faculty, staff
members or College property. Misconduct includes behavior that is disruptive or substantially impedes
the lawful activities of other students, faculty or staff members.
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8. “Probation” means that a person is allowed to continue study at the College under certain conditions,
violation of which could result in further disciplinary action including expulsion.
9. “Student” includes all persons taking a course or workshop at or with the College. This refers to full-time,
part-time or guest enrollment students.
10. “Student Organization” means a group with one or more students.
11. “College Hearing Panel” means the group, appointed by the Provost, that hears evidence and makes
decisions regarding the outcomes and sanctions at those hearings where the right to a hearing panel has
not been waived.
12. “College Hearing Panel chair” means the individual, appointed by the Provost, who has been authorized
to carry out the general administrative responsibilities regarding the disciplinary process as set forth in
this Code.
13. “Suspension” means a person’s status at the College is an involuntary separation from the College for not
more than the designated time allowance as listed below:
a. “Definite Suspension”: This sanction is for a defined period of time as determined by the Provost,
Dean of Students & Academic Affairs, or College Hearing Panel. The student shall be eligible to
return after the elapsed period of time with any requirements for further action defined.
b. “Indefinite Suspension”: This sanction is for an indefinite period of time. The student shall not
return to the College without making a written request for re-admission to the College Hearing
Panel no sooner than six months after the date of suspension.
c. “Temporary Suspension”: This sanction is when a student is involved in a disciplinary action
which is of such magnitude to the educational atmosphere of the institution that its student
body may be disrupted. The College Hearing Panel may suspend such student on an interim basis
while awaiting the disposition of the charges against the student. This is to be construed to
include situations in which students staying on campus has the potential to disrupt the life of the
College and its students or where criminal charges have been filed against a student by a law
enforcement agency.
14. “Withholding of Transcript or Degree:” This sanction is imposed automatically upon any student who
owes a financial debt to the College, including repayment of federal financial aid funds and delinquent
loan repayments. This penalty shall automatically end upon settlement of the debts. In certain other
circumstances, the College may use this sanction.
15. “Warning:” A written reprimand to the student.
Offenses
Any of the offenses listed below may result in expulsion, suspension, probation, or reprimand. Any observed
violation of this Code of Conduct should be reported to the appropriate College employee for action as
needed.
1. Academic dishonesty, plagiarism, or willful falsification of scientific educational data which is
represented as scientific or scholarly research. Academic integrity sanctions are defined further in this
section. This includes but is not limited to:
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
a. Engaging in any form of plagiarism, which is defined as the appropriation of and use of
another person's writing, and passing it off as the product of one's own efforts or copying
any work and submitting it as original work.
b. Falsifying with respect to any examination, paper, project, application, recommendation,
transcript or test or by any dishonest means whatsoever, or by aiding or abetting another
student to do so.
c. Using materials or collaborating with another person(s) during a test or other assignments
without authorization.
d. Substituting for another student, or permitting another person to substitute for oneself, to
take an examination, course or test or to provide the work for any assigned project.
e. The acquisition of grades, academic credits, degrees, honors, awards, certification or
professional endorsements by means of cheating.
Accessory to misconduct: A student shall not aid or abet or otherwise act as an accomplice to the
commission of misconduct.
Alcohol and controlled substance use: The failure to comply with College regulations or federal or state
of Iowa laws regarding the purchase, dispensing, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages
and/or other substances. This includes the unauthorized use, possession, distribution or sale of any
controlled substance, including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamine or any other controlled substance as
covered by the federal and state Controlled Substances Act. In addition, students may not consume
alcohol in public or private areas of the residence halls (IVCCD Board Policy 416.2). Alcohol and drug
possession/use penalties are defined further in the Student Policies & Procedures section regarding
Drug-Free Campus.
Arson: Causing a fire or explosion with the intent to damage or destroy property or with the knowledge
that property will probably be destroyed.
Assault:
a. Any intentional and unauthorized act that causes the victim pain or injury or results in
physical contact that is insulting or offensive, or
b. Any intentional and unauthorized act that places the victim in fear or immediate physical
contact that would have been painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the
apparent ability to do the act, or
c. Any intentional and unauthorized pointing of a firearm or display of a dangerous weapon, or
any facsimile of a firearm or weapon, in a threatening manner.
Assembly with any other persons and participation in the violation of this Code.
Attempt to commit misconduct: An attempt to commit a prohibited or unlawful act is misconduct, even
if unsuccessful.
Computer use and ethics: Failure to comply with ethical standards of the College as govern the use of all
District-owned computing facilities, including central computers, terminals, microcomputers, printers,
plotters, and all associated equipment. (IVCCD Board Policy 407.1) Misuse of computer resources
includes but is not limited to:
a. Unauthorized copying of any software (including operating systems, programs, applications,
databases or code) that is licensed or protected by copyright.
b. "Computer hacking" (i.e. unwanted or unsolicited entry into a computer system).
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
c. Knowingly introducing a "computer virus" or other unauthorized program - either harmless or
damaging to a College computer or network.
d. Unauthorized access, willful damage, or misuse of systems, applications, databases, codes, or
data.
e. Use of the campus network, the Internet, ICN or other telecommunications or data networks
for actions that constitute abuse, harassment, libel, slander, fraud, misrepresentation, or
intimidation. This includes introduction of inappropriate materials to the network, the
intentional viewing or display of inappropriate materials, and the printing of inappropriate
materials.
f. Using the network or District equipment to conduct personal business for one's own
personal benefit or profit, for the personal benefit or profit of others, for solicitation of
services, or for political lobbying or campaigning.
g. Allowing others to use your personal username and password to access campus networks or the
Internet or using another person’s username and password to access campus networks or the
Internet.
h. Disrupting access of other students, faculty or staff members to College computers and other
technology resources.
i. Sending harassing, threatening or sexually explicit material to another individual.
j. Violating license agreements, copyrights or intellectual property rights including copyright,
patents, etc., by copying, distributing, selling or publishing intellectual property.
k. Theft of College hardware or software.
Contempt: Failure to comply with directions, orders or commands of any College officials acting within
the scope of duty, or of any law enforcement officer acting in the performance of his/her duties. Failure
to comply with all the terms of an agreed resolution of a disciplinary matter, whether or not that
resolution occurs after a formal charge, after a formal hearing, or is included in a judicial order, also
constitutes contempt.
Disorderly conduct: Any action, committed without justification or excuse, that unreasonably disrupts or
obstructs the normal use of the College property or that disrupts College-sponsored activities. Disorderly
conduct also includes actions that unreasonably disrupt classes or other instruction, such as failure to
comply with an instructor’s legitimate directions, loud noise or disruptive actions, or other behavior that
impairs the learning experience of other students or interferes with the efforts of the instructor.
Threatening behaviors or harassment are also prohibited. Failure to comply with the reasonable
directions of any College official or employee, acting within the proper scope of his or her non-academic
authority to issue such directions to a student, also constitutes disorderly conduct.
Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other College
activities, including its public services functions and other authorized activities on College premises.
Disturbing the peace and good order of the College and/or the community by fighting, quarreling,
intoxication, or other unseemly behavior. Interfering with the lawful rights of other persons on the
campus. Inciting others to do any of the above.
Fire alarms and equipment: Pulling fire alarms falsely or tampering with firefighting equipment (e.g., fire
alarms, extinguishers, exit signs, fire hoses, smoke detectors, emergency lights) is prohibited.
Forging, alteration, or any other misuse of College documents, transcripts, records, or identification
cards.
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15. Willful indecent exposure in a place where there are persons to be offended or affronted thereby.
16. Keys: Unauthorized possession of College keys and/or reproduction of College keys by anyone other than
authorized College personnel is not allowed.
17. Perjury: Knowingly making one or more false statements while testifying, through a written statement or
in person, during a pre-hearing officer or hearing panel proceeding.
18. Stealing campus property and/or possession of stolen goods.
19. Reckless Behavior: Any intentional or reckless damage to real or personal property of another, including
property of the College. Operation of a motor vehicle recklessly, so as to pose a threat to the safety of
others, on campus or at College-sponsored activities off campus.
20. Residence Life and Housing (Student Housing): Failure to comply with specific policies relating to all
students or guests who are assigned or visit the residential complexes as found in residence life and
housing policies and procedures.
21. Sexual abuse: Any sex act between persons is sexual abuse by either of the participants when the act is
done by force or against the will of the other; if the consent or acquiescence of the other is procured by
threats of violence toward any person, or if the act is done while the other is under the influence of a
drug inducing sleep or is otherwise in a state of unconsciousness, the act is done against the will of the
other; or if the other participant is suffering from a mental defect or incapacity which precludes giving
consent, or lacks the mental capacity to know the right and wrong of conduct in sexual matters, or if the
other participant is a child. (See further information in the section on Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment,
Domestic/Dating Violence, Stalking.)
22. Sexual harassment: Unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct
of a sexual nature when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s work or educational performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive
environment for work or learning. (See further information in the section on Sexual Assault, Sexual
Harassment, Domestic/Dating Violence, Stalking.)
23. Stalking: Willfully following, pursuing, bullying or harassing another person and, while doing so and
without legitimate purpose, makes a credible threat against the other person. (See further information in
the section on Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Domestic/Dating Violence, Stalking.)
24. Telephone: Unauthorized use of another person’s personal identifying numeric (PIN) codes, using the
College’s phones for unauthorized personal calls, and/or making obscene or harassing telephone calls.
25. Theft/Burglary: The wrongful taking of the property of another, or wrongfully refusing to return the
property of another when requested to do so.
26. Tobacco: Use of tobacco in any form and nicotine simulation or vapor products (e.g. e-cigarettes) on
IVCCD grounds or any of its facilities or vehicles (IVCCD Board Policy 415). Tobacco sanctions are defined
further in this Policy.
27. Trespassing: Intentional and unauthorized entry onto any premises owned by the College.
28. Weapons and dangerous substances: Use or possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, incendiary
devices, clubs, knives, bb guns, imitation guns which look like real guns or any dangerous weapon,
substance or material on campus is prohibited except as expressly authorized by the College.
29. Reproduction of copyrighted material. Unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted material is prohibited.
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30. Misuse of Social Media. Any posting of content that is threatening, obscene, a violation of intellectual
property rights or privacy laws, or otherwise injurious or illegal is prohibited. Representation of your
personal opinions as being endorsed by the College or any of its organizations is strictly prohibited. You
may not use the College name to promote any opinion, product, cause, or political candidate. Any
postings that show violations of the Student Code of Conduct or residential hall guides will result in
adjudication (Board Policy 407.2).
31. Any other conduct prejudicial to a sound education environment and not in keeping with the values of
the College community.
32. Engaging in behavior that is discriminatory, including harassment of other students and staff, based on
race, color, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, sexual
orientation and/or gender identity, is prohibited.
33. Local, State, and Federal Laws. When a student has been apprehended for violation of the law of the
community, state, or nation, the College will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies in
a reasonable program for rehabilitation of the student. Generally, the College will not impose further
sanctions after law enforcement agencies have dismissed a case; yet its officials reserve the right and the
responsibility to initiate disciplinary action prior to, during, or after any civil or criminal court or agency
proceeding if any individual student's conduct has had significant impact on the College's educational
functions or responsibilities or on the rights of other members of the College community. Any
disciplinary action taken on this basis shall conform to the terms of this Code, due process, and
customary jurisprudence, including the right of appeal.
34. Civil or Criminal Proceedings. Disciplinary action may commence while a civil or criminal proceeding is
pending. Proceedings under this Code are not subject to challenge simply because civil or criminal
proceedings involving the same incident have been dismissed.
Investigation and Sanction Procedures for Alleged Violations of Student Conduct
Any person may bring a complaint against a student under these procedures based on the student’s alleged
violation of one of the above offenses.
1. All such complaints shall be made in writing on the Student Conduct/Discipline Report Form to the
Provost/Dean. The Provost/Dean shall investigate and review the complaint, determine whether an
informal resolution is possible, or whether formal sanctions should be instituted.
2. Following the period of investigation, the Provost/Dean shall determine if evidence exists for formal
sanctions to be brought against a student for a violation of the Student Conduct Code.
a. If the sanctions are of a minor nature (suspension is NOT warranted), the case will be heard in a
disciplinary conference before the Provost/Dean.
b. If the sanctions are of a major nature (suspension is warranted), the case may be referred to the
College Hearing Panel.
c. If there is a lack of evidence or formal sanctions are not deemed necessary, an informal
resolution may be sought. If an informal resolution is made, the student signs a letter from the
Provost/Dean that specifically states the terms of the resolution and acknowledges his/her
consent to these terms.
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3. In all cases, the Provost/Dean shall send to the student involved a Notice of Sanction letter, or a letter
indicating the informal resolution.
Penalties and Sanctions
The College has the authority to penalize or impose sanctions on any student found guilty of the above
offenses or breach of regulations. Routine disciplinary matters may be handled by the Dean of Students &
Academic Affairs or the Provost. Serious and/or repetitive violations of the Code of Conduct will require a
disciplinary hearing before the College Hearing Panel.
Matters of academic dishonesty are first handled by the faculty member and may be referred to the Dean of
Students & Academic Affairs. Any matter of academic dishonesty may also be referred to the College Hearing
Panel for disciplinary action.
Students should be familiar with institutional policies and procedural guidelines as outlined in the Student
Handbook and in the College catalog. Students should also be familiar with institutional policies and
procedural guidelines as outlined in the Student Policies & Procedures section.
Violations of College standards shall result in any one or combination of the following disciplinary sanctions
which may be applied by the Dean of Students & Academic Affairs or Provost and/or the College Hearing
Panel as follows:
1. Warning
2. Disciplinary counseling and/or referral to appropriate drug/alcohol treatment program or law
enforcement agencies
a. Individual counseling
b. Disciplinary counseling on a group basis
3. Withholding of transcript or degree and/or loss of financial aid/scholarships
4. Probation
5. Expulsion/Suspension
a. Expulsion
b. Definite suspension
c. Indefinite suspension
d. Temporary suspension
6. More than one (1) of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation.
Note: Definitions and accompanying procedures pertaining to these sanctions are listed in the Code of
Conduct.
Disciplinary Process
Disciplinary Conference Procedures. Alleged violations of a minor nature (those that do not warrant
suspension/expulsion) will be adjudicated in a disciplinary conference between the Dean and the student. No
other witnesses will be present. Some cases of suspension/expulsion necessitate an administrative decision
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
for the safety of the campus, but the student retains the right to request a hearing of the disciplinary
sanction.
1. If the student sanctioned cannot appear at the time specified, the student must contact the Dean at least
two (2) business days before the conference is scheduled to arrange a different time for the conference.
2. If the student has not contacted the Dean and/or does not appear at the conference, the Dean may
make a decision of responsibility or non-responsibility and determine the sanction.
3. At the disciplinary conference, the Dean will review the sanctions, evidence, and student’s rights with the
student. The student will have an opportunity to present any evidence or testimony on his or her own
behalf.
4. After reviewing the evidence and hearing from the student, the Dean will determine based on the
standard of the preponderance of the evidence if the student is responsible or not responsible for the
alleged violation. Any student who is found to have violated a regulation governing student conduct will
be subject to the sanctions as listed in this section.
5. The Dean’s decision as to whether a student is responsible for a student conduct violation and the
appropriate sanction, if any, will be sent to the student within five business days at the last known
address provided by the student to the institution. This letter will include the reasoning by which the
decision was reached. The action is effective upon the date the notification was written. A copy of the
letter will be placed in the student’s disciplinary file maintained by the Registrar. Students have the right
to appeal this decision to the College Hearing Panel, if warranted, as described in the process below.
Rights and Responsibilities of Accused in the Disciplinary Process
Student rights are protected in accordance with due process. Students accused of violating the Student Code
of Conduct policies shall have rights.
The student sanctioned has the following rights at a Conference or College Hearing Panel meeting:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Right to due process.
Right to notice of allegations and summary of facts in the case.
Right to attend the hearing and present on your behalf and summary of case from their viewpoint.
Right to refuse to participate in the hearing.
Right to present documentary, testimonial, or physical evidence.
Right to suggest witnesses who have a direct bearing on the case be interviewed as part of the
investigation.
Right to hear and question witnesses indirectly by submitting questions directly to the Panel.
Right to the Disciplinary Conference decision or College Hearing Panel’s decision which will be based
on the evidence presented and evaluated by the standard of preponderance of the evidence.
Right to be notified of the final decision of the conference/hearing in writing.
Right to appeal the final decision if an appeal is warranted (See Appeal Process Section 4).
To have representation of choice present with the understanding that the representative may not
participate in the proceedings.
An advocate is available to assist the student the process.
The College Hearing Panel Chairperson may exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitive information.
The Panel may have access to any and all materials from the original hearing. Advisors for the student may
assist the student with the preparation of the hearing, but may not actively participate by questioning
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witnesses, cross-examining witnesses or other participants or formally addressing the hearing participants.
The College is entitled to challenge a committee member for a cause. Removal of a panel member will be at
discretion of remaining panel members.
It is the policy that statements, evidence, or comments given during a Disciplinary Conference or College
Hearing Panel will be held in strictest confidence by members of the hearing committee and its advisor(s), or
any other individuals involved in a hearing or hearing appeal. No statements will be made to the general
public by members of the hearing committee before or during the hearing, or before, during, or after
deliberation. In all hearings, at all levels, no individual will be required to offer evidence which may be selfincriminating.
The College Hearing Panel’s decision based on the standard of preponderance of the evidence as to whether
a student regulation was violated and the appropriate sanction, if any, will be sent within five business days
to the student by mail at the last known address provided to the College by the student. This letter will
include the reasoning by which the decision was reached. The action is effective upon the date the
notification was written. A copy of the letter will be placed in the student’s disciplinary file maintained by the
Registrar.
College Hearing Panel Procedures
The following procedures pertain to the College Hearing Panel. Policies and procedures are subject to
change and notification would be published on the College website and through the College email system:
1. In cases where suspension or expulsion are possible outcomes, the College Hearing Panel may be
utilized. In such cases, the Notice of Hearing sent by the Dean shall detail the alleged violations, a
summary of the alleged misconduct, and the time and date of the hearing.
2. The College makes it standard practice to request that FERPA waivers will be signed by involved
(respondent and claimant if applicable) students upon notice of hearing to allow parties to share
information within the panel.
3. If the student charged cannot appear at the time specified, the student must contact the Dean at
least two (2) business days before the hearing is scheduled to arrange a different time for the
hearing.
4. If the student has not contacted the Dean and/or does not appear at the hearing, the College
Hearing Panel may make a decision of responsibility or non-responsibility and the render a sanction.
5. The College Hearing Panel will be comprised of an odd number of members (faculty members and
College staff representatives). The Panel will hear all evidence in the case including witness
testimony and documentation and make a decision as to whether the student is responsible or not
responsible for the alleged violation and determine an appropriate sanction.
6. Each campus will have at a pool of trained members from which three members will be drawn to
hear the case and to serve on the College Hearing Panel. Members will be appointed by the Dean.
7. One member of the College Hearing Panel will serve as Chairperson and shall preside at the hearing.
During the hearing, the Chairperson shall inform the student of the charge, the hearing procedures,
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8.
9.
and his or her rights, and shall answer any questions the student charged may have on these
matters.
The Chairperson shall call witnesses and ask the Dean or designee to provide an oral summary of the
written testimony in support of the student conduct violation. The student may then share
information with the Panel, which may include written testimony and witnesses in his or her behalf.
The Panel will render a decision within 3 business days on the alleged violation and send a written
letter to respondent (and claimant, if applicable) regarding the outcome of the panel’s decision.
Appeal Process
Access to an appeal is defined within College policies and procedures, but must be requested by the student
(claimant or respondent) no more than 5 business days after the sanctioning decision as dated on the Notice
of Sanction letter. If a student feels that he or she has been disciplined unfairly through the Disciplinary
Conference procedure or if he or she wishes to appeal some other decision considered to be unjustified,
unfair, or a violation of student rights, then the student should appeal that decision. An appeal is not granted
in cases where there is disagreement with a College policy or procedure. In those cases a student may file a
complaint with the appropriate department. Appeal forms are located in the Dean of Students & Academic
Affairs’ Office (Gentle Student Center, room 223) as well as on the website. Housing sanction appeal forms
are available in the Director of Athletics & Student Life’s Office. Notes:
1. The right to appeal does not necessarily entitle a student to a hearing of his/her case. Based on the
appeal information forwarded by the student, a hearing may be granted by either the College
Hearing Panel, or before a Dean/Director depending on the sanctioning department and incident. If a
student appeal is granted, the Dean shall send the student a Notice of Hearing within a reasonable
timeframe, usually within 10 business days of the appeal submission. If a student appeal is granted,
the Dean shall send the student a Notice of Hearing within a reasonable timeframe, usually within 10
business days of the appeal submission.
2. Failure to appeal or comply with appeal procedures will render the original decision final. In the
event of extenuating circumstances, an extension in time may be requested by submitting a written
request to the Provost (or designee) stating specific reasons for the request of additional time
including why the timeline for the appeal was not met.
3. Any sanction imposed as the result of a Disciplinary Conference or College Hearing Panel will remain
in effect during the process of appeal. The Provost/Dean has the authority, under extenuating
circumstances, to defer the imposed sanction while the appeal is in process. The appeal of a
Disciplinary Conference sanction is to the College Hearing Panel. The appeal of a College Hearing
Panel sanction is to the College Appeals Board, which is the final formal step for an individual’s
appeal.
4. The following constitute reasons for an appeal and the appellate individual or panel should limit its
review of the Hearing Panel’s record to these issues:
a. The student’s due process rights were substantially violated in the hearing process or
procedural errors were made in the original hearing.
b. There was not substantial evidence to support the decisions reached.
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
c. There is new material evidence that could not have been discovered at the hearing time.
d. The sanctions imposed were too severe or not appropriate for the violation.
e. Bias of adjudicator produced a fundamentally unfair hearing or denied due process.
5. An appeal may be denied for insufficient grounds to request an appeal. However, if the appeal is
granted at either level, the Appeal Board may:
a. Accept the report and decision of the disciplinary conference/College Hearing Panel.
b. Reverse the decision and dismiss the case or remand the case for receipt of additional
evidence (only if not available to the student at time of hearing) or to allow an opportunity
for the student to prepare and present a defense.
c. Accept the decision, but reduce the sanction imposed. The Appeal Board may not increase
the sanction.
6. Withdrawal of Student: If a student withdraws from the College, the withdrawal does not affect the
ability of the College to initiate or continue disciplinary proceedings against the student for actions or
events which occurred prior to the withdrawal.
Title IX Procedures
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on several categories.
Title IX, of the Education Amendments of 1972, is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of
sex in any federally funded education program or activity. Issues related to sexual assault, sexual
harassment, domestic/dating violence and/or stalking align our processes with Student Code of Conduct
procedures but may have additional requirements as regulated by Title IX legislation. More information on
those procedures are found in the Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Domestic/Dating Violence, Stalking
section which is under the Student Policies and Procedures portion of this Handbook. Depending on the
findings of the Title IX investigation, the disciplinary processes listed in the next paragraphs may be utilized.
Pregnant and Parenting Students
Students who are pregnant or parenting have certain rights under Title IX including:
1. Allow you to continue participating in classes and extracurricular activities.
2. Allow you to participate in classes and extracurricular activities even though you are pregnant and
will not require you to submit a doctor’s note unless your school requires a doctor’s note.
3. Excuse absences due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as your doctor says it is necessary.
4. Allow you to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before your medical leave
began, which should include giving you the opportunity to make up any work missed while you were
out.
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Student Policies & Procedures
Grievances and Complaints
The College believes in maintaining an educational environment that is positive and productive for its
students. Occasionally, a student may claim that he or she has experienced an alleged violation,
misinterpretation, or misapplication of IVCCD Board Policies, rules and regulations; or has been unfairly
treated by an IVCCD employee or another student; or that the contractual relationship between the student
and IVCCD has been breached. When these situations arise, students should follow the Student Grievance
Procedure. For all other complaints and feedback, the student should follow the Student
Feedback/Complaint Procedure. Forms are found in the Dean of Students & Academic Affairs’ Office or on
the College website.
Student Grievance Procedure
The grievance form includes a written summary of the situation. According to Board Policy 502, the written
grievance is to be resolved through the following steps and will be judged on the preponderance of the
evidence standard:
1. The student is expected to make every effort to resolve the problem with the IVCCD employee (if
applicable), including a meeting with that employee.
2. If no solution is reached between the student and the employee, the student may file a formal
grievance. The written grievance form must be submitted to the Provost (or to his or her designee)
within 10 business days of the initial meeting with the employee.
3. If no solution is reached between the student and the Provost (or designee), the grievance may be
appealed in writing within 5 business days of the step 2 decision to the IVCCD Chancellor. The
decision of the Chancellor is final and ends the grievance process.
Student Feedback/Complaint Procedure
The College is committed to providing high quality services. We strive to deal with all students in a manner
which is fair, efficient and courteous, and your feedback and complaints are important to the improvement
of College services. All complaints and feedback, including the outcome, are documented and shared
annually with the Provost. Feedback or complaints that are unrelated to a grievance should follow these
steps:
1. Complete the Student Feedback/Complaint Form found in the Dean of Students & Academic Affairs’
Office or on the College website.
2. Discuss the complaint/feedback with those within the department faculty or supervisor with
oversight of that decision, policy, or service.
3. If a student is dissatisfied with the results of the initial meeting, he or she should contact the
member of the College’s administrative team with oversight over the area to discuss the concern.
In the event that a complaint cannot be satisfied through one of these avenues, the Iowa College Student Aid
Commission (ICSAC) is authorized to receive and review complaints from students. You may contact ICSAC to
register your complaint at https://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/content/constituent-request-review. If an issue
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
cannot be resolved through ICSAC, you may file a complaint with either the Iowa Department of Education
(515-281-0319) or the Higher Learning Commission (https://www.ncahlc.org/; ph. 312-263-0456).
Academic Freedom for Students
In the interests of promoting the best possible educational environment for members of the community and
remaining consistent with the rights of others, students shall be free to examine and express opinions on all
questions of interest to them. Students shall be guaranteed all constitutional rights, including freedom of
inquiry, expression, and assembly. All regulations contained in the Student Code of Conduct are designed to
achieve the maximum academic freedom coupled with responsibility and necessary order.
Behavior Intervention Team/BIT
The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) was formed in 2010 to coordinate ECC’s resources while
confidentially addressing the needs of students who are experiencing significant behavioral disturbances and
to recommend collaborative and purposeful interventions aimed at helping students achieve success.
The goals of BIT include: 1) preventing crises before they occur through the provision of outreach and
educational programming, consultation, appropriate assessment, and referrals; 2) ensuring that students
whose behavior is of concern are contacted and have access to appropriate services so they have the
opportunity to improve their welfare, and 3) creating a unified reporting and tracking system that will allow
members of the BIT to observe patterns of behavior that may elicit assessment and to provide a documented
response to distressed students. Information reported to the BIT is confidential and therefore feedback BIT
provides to a reporter will be limited to acknowledging receipt of the report.
Students with Special Needs
ECC provides individualized assistance to students with special needs who identify themselves and request
help. The College staff can provide advocacy, advice, counseling and referral information along with
academic accommodations for those who qualify. By working together, students and staff strive to eliminate
attitudinal and architectural barriers which might impede successful completion of a student’s studies at ECC.
The College adheres to all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable
accommodations for any student or patron with a physical need (in the laboratories, classrooms, restrooms,
or for student activities and athletic contests). A barrier-free environment is stressed, and the campus is
physically accessible throughout.
Should classroom modification be needed, students with special needs should notify Wanda Koehrsen, TRIO
Coordinator/Student Success Specialist (641-648-8587) so physical changes can be made (see Steps to Obtain
Accommodations below).
Parking spaces are marked and reserved for students displaying handicap permits in their vehicles.
Steps to Obtain Accommodations
Students with special needs should plan ahead for requesting accommodations. Reasonable
accommodations can be made in a timely manner, but it may involve faculty, family members, counselors,
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
other support personnel, and the student. Careful planning can assure that all involved will have time to
respond to identified needs.
1. Contact Wanda Koehrsen, TRIO Coordinator/Student Success Specialist, and schedule an
appointment to discuss and begin completion of the Application for Students with Disabilities form.
2. After completing the form, meet with Wanda Koehrsen to submit documentation of disability if
deemed necessary and review the information. Then an appropriate support/action plan will be
developed with assistance of other College personnel or vocational rehabilitation counselors, as
needed.
3. If documentation is requested and not received, release forms may be signed to authorize the
College to request such documentation prior to developing a support/action plan. When
documentation is received, students will work with faculty/staff to develop and implement a plan
based on individual needs.
4. A letter documenting eligibility to receive services will be sent to the student, who may use it to visit
with instructors each semester. Students are encouraged to meet with all instructors during the first
two weeks of each semester. It is the student’s responsibility to keep instructors informed of
continuing/updated needs.
The College recognizes that students’ accommodation needs may change during the time they are attending
classes, and the accommodation support/action plan may change accordingly. A student who feels his or her
accommodation needs have not been met should contact Wanda Koehrsen. If that meeting does not result in
satisfaction, students should follow the grievance procedure outlined under Student Policies & Procedures.
Service & Assistance Animal Policy
Iowa Valley Community College District prohibits the presence of animals on its campuses, with the
exception of those animals used for academic purposes (e.g., laboratory and instructional use), service
animals, and assistance animals (limited to campus housing only and with prior approval). In recognizing the
important role that service and assistance animals can play in facilitating the independence of some
individuals with certain disabilities, students needing accommodations of this type are encouraged to contact
the Disability/Accommodation Services Office for more information. Additional details can be found in
IVCCD Board Policy manual (or on the College website), including information on:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Definitions for service and assistance animals
IVCCD approval of service or assistance animals
Acceptable locations for service and assistance animals
Campus Housing and Service or Assistance animals
Control of a service or assistance animal and removal from campus
Grievances and Complaint procedure related to Service or Assistance Animals
Additional information related to both Service and Assistance animals
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Academic Integrity Procedures
Consistent with College policy, cheating, the appearance of cheating, and plagiarism in classes will not be
tolerated. For purposes of all classes, cheating includes the use of calculators with programmable text used
during exams if the text function is used, using study sheets or other written material during the exams when
it is a closed book exam, using another student's answers with or without their knowledge, or supplying
answers, and the use or appearance of use of other restricted items. A student cheating on an exam will be
awarded zero points for that exam. When a student is found cheating on any assignment the penalty will be
at the discretion of the instructor’s policy but it could range from awarding zero points for that
assignment/exam to failing the course. Further exams taken by that student will be under the direct
supervision of the instructor at a time and place designated by the instructor. Violations of the academic
integrity policy are subject to Student Code of Conduct processes.
College Closings
It is the policy of ECC to hold regular classes on all days scheduled on the College calendar. If an emergency
develops requiring the College to close, the announcement will be made via the College’s Emergency
Notification System (ENS) and local television and radio stations. See below for additional information.
Emergency Notification System (ENS)
College delays or cancellations due to weather or utility shutdowns, critical incidents/emergencies on
campus, or any situation that impacts the health and safety of the College community will be announced
through the Emergency Notification System (ENS). Emergency messages will be sent to your SMS/Text phone
number as provided on your admissions application and to your student email address (ending in
@iavalley.edu).
All students are automatically enrolled in the ENS. Changes to your cell phone information must be
completed by submitting a Personal Information Change Form to the Registrar’s Office as soon as possible to
ensure that you will receive alert messages. You may opt-out of receiving text messages from the ENS by
texting “stop alert” to 23177; you cannot opt out of receiving emergency messages to your student email
account. If you opt out and want to opt back in later, text “subscribe alert” to 23177.
Parking Regulations
Students are encouraged to park in appropriate parking areas, including the two lots south of Bullock Jones
Hall and Reg Johnson Hall and parking lots around the Math-Science building. Parking in restricted areas will
result in a fine; in cases of persistent violation, vehicles will be towed at the student’s expense.
There are spaces designated for handicapped access parking north of Kruse Main Hall on Elm Street and
south of Reg Johnson Hall. There is continual restriction on these spaces, and cars may be parked in them
only if there is an official handicapped sticker or emblem prominently displayed in or on the vehicle.
There are parking lots immediately west of Wall Hall and immediately south of Thompson Hall; these lots are
restricted and may be used only with a residence hall parking permit. Residents of the College Apartments
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
should park in the lot just north of the apartment building, and residents of the College Suites should park in
the lot just west of the suite building.
Curbs painted yellow indicate “No Parking” as determined by the city.
The city also has a snow removal ordinance which prohibits parking on all city streets for 48 hours after the
start of snow removal operations. Vehicles unlawfully parked on any city street will be towed to a storage
location and vehicle owners will be subject to fines.
Tobacco-Free Campus
Iowa Valley Community College District is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for
students, visitors and employees. The Iowa Legislature passed the Iowa Smokefree Air Act (H.F. 2212) of
2008 and the U.S. Surgeon General has found that use of tobacco is a significant health hazard. IVCCD’s
campus is both smoke-free and tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products (including nicotine simulation or vapor
products, e.g. e-cigarettes) is not allowed on any of our grounds or in any of our facilities or vehicles. This
includes all buildings, grounds, sidewalks, parking lots, vehicles, and streets within the campus. This also
includes personal vehicles on school grounds in accordance with Iowa’s Smokefree Air Act.
Student disciplinary procedures and/or civil penalties can be assessed to students found in violation of this
regulation. Retaliation against anyone who registers a complaint is prohibited and subject to IVCCD’s
disciplinary procedure. To register a complaint, contact a College administrator or the Iowa Department of
Public Health at 1-888-944-2247 or visit www.IowaSmokefreeAir.gov.
Drug-Free Campus
It is the policy of ECC to comply with the Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act Amendments of 1989.
Legal Sanctions for Possession & Distribution of Illicit Drugs or Unlawful Possession of Alcohol
Federal Statutes
• Manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance or counterfeit
substance (Title 21, USC 841). Penalty: Sentences range from two years and $10,000 or both to 15
years and $25,000 or both. All sentences carry a mandatory minimum confinement and repeat
offenders are subject to double penalty.
• Possession of controlled substance, including marijuana (Title 21, USC 844). Penalty: First conviction
up to one year and $1,000-100,000 or both. Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack
cocaine: Mandatory five years up to 20 years and up to $250,000 or both. Repeat offenders'
penalties in both cases are increased.
• Distribution of controlled substance to persons under age 21 (Title 21, USC 845). Penalty: The
penalties of USC 841 are doubled and the mandatory minimums are doubled.
Note: Any property which has been used to facilitate the commission of a criminal offense or to avoid
detection or apprehension of a person committing a criminal offense or property acquired as proceeds of a
criminal offense is subject to forfeiture under both federal and state law. This includes not only cash but cars,
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boats, airplanes, guns, coins, and even houses. In addition, conviction results in denial or revocation of
federal benefits such as student loans, grants, contracts, professional and commercial licenses, and firearms
approvals. See Federal Register Vol. 55, No. 159, for details and specific trafficking penalties for all drug
categories and offenses.
State Laws
• Possession of a controlled substance (first offense) includes any drug: minimum fine $315, loss of
driver’s license for 180 days, two-day jail sentence; maximum fine of $1,875 and one year in jail.
Courts may order denial of all federal benefits (including student loans) for all drug convictions.
• Manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance including
heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, PCP, LSD, marijuana: maximum 50 years prison
and $1 million fine (mandatory minimum confinement, 1/3 of sentence, $1,000 fine). Other drugs
such as peyote, opium, hallucinogens, other stimulants/depressants: maximum 10 years and $10,000
fine; minimum of 1/3 of sentence, $1,000 fine. Possession of firearm during crime doubles
punishment with mandatory prison confinement.
• Drug Tax Stamp: Drug dealers are required to buy “drug tax stamps” from the Iowa Department of
Revenue. If you are arrested for drugs (e.g., delivery, manufacturing, possession with intent) and do
not have tax stamps the Department of Revenue can seize personal property and sell it to satisfy the
tax bill. This is a Class D felony, five years in prison and $7,500 fine.
• Gatherings where controlled substances are unlawfully used: Sponsor, promote, aid, or assist in the
sponsoring or promoting of a meeting, gathering, or assemblage with the knowledge or intent that a
controlled substance will be distributed, used or possessed there results in Class D felony: 5 year
sentence and $7,500 fine. If marijuana only is used, it is a serious misdemeanor with 1 year sentence
and $1,875 fine.
• Distribution of controlled substance to person under age 18: Class B felony, 25 years, five-year
mandatory minimum confinement; Class C felony, 10 years, 3 1/3 year minimum confinement.
• Manufacture or distribution of methamphetamine in presence of minor: 99 years in prison. “In
presence of” can mean: minor physically present, a minor not present but lives there, at a multiple
unit residential building (apartment), at a motel, or in a building where minors’ presence can
reasonably be expected. Distribution within 1,000 feet of a secondary or elementary school:
Additional five-year sentence.
• Unlawful Alcohol – The legal age to possess alcohol is 21. Possession/distribution by a person under
age 21: First offense: $200; Second or more offense: $500 and driver’s license suspended up to one
year. Distribution by person age 21 or older: Serious misdemeanor, $500 minimum fine. If act results
in serious injury to anyone, it is an aggravated misdemeanor (fine $500 to $5,000 and two years in
prison). If act results in death, it is a class D felony ($7,500 fine, maximum five years in prison).
• Drinking and Driving – Effective July 1, 1995, anyone under age 21 who is caught driving with a blood
alcohol content of .02 or more will lose his or her driver's license or permit for up to 60 days.
Temporary driving permits for school, work, or any reason will not be allowed during the suspension
period. Realize that .02 is a very small amount ... as little as one beer or drink.
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Drivers age 18 and over can be prosecuted for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) if they: 1) drive
under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and/or drug, 2) drive with an alcohol concentration of
.08 or more, or 3) drive with a controlled substance in their system. The penalty for OWI first offense
is from two days in jail and $1,250 fine to one year in jail. Second offense: seven days in jail and
$1,875 fine to two years in jail and $6,750 fine. Third or more offense: 30 days in jail and $3,125 fine
to five years in prison with a maximum of $9,375. In addition, various license suspensions start with
six months, and vehicles can be impounded or immobilized for OWI second and third offenders. On
third offense OWI, license can be barred for six years.
Local Ordinances
• Illicit Drugs – Use or possession with intent to use (drug paraphernalia): Up to $500 and 30 days in
jail. State penalty is a fine of at least $50, not to exceed $500, and up to 30 days in jail.
• Public Intoxication – Up to $100 fine, or up to 30 days in jail.
• Unlawful Alcohol – Open container in a public place: $100 first offense plus court costs.
Consumption in public places, intoxication: $100 plus court costs. Under legal age: $200 first offense
plus court costs, $500 second offense plus court costs and loss of driver’s license for a year.
Conduct of Campus Visitors
Access to all facilities and grounds of Iowa Valley Community College District is generally limited to students,
employees and visitors for the purposes of study, work, teaching, and conducting other College business.
Access to individual classrooms, laboratories and programs are limited to those enrolled in the courses and
programs meeting at such locations. Visitors on campus who are not College students or employees are to
conduct themselves in accordance with the law, as well as commonly accepted standards of behavior and
safety. Any conduct which involves loitering; intentional or negligent disruption; noise; threats; any kind of
harassment, sexual or otherwise; verbal or physical abuse; endangerment of the health or safety of any
person; or inappropriate entry into obstruction of, or unauthorized occupation of any District property by a
visitor will be in violation of Board Policy 832. College employees have the authority to inform visitors to
leave immediately. Failure to leave will result in police being summoned to take appropriate action.
Please refer to campus Residence Life/Housing manuals for requirements of residential visitors.
Crime Prevention
Students and employees are expected to be aware of personal safety practices and to take preventive action
on campus. Students and employees should take precaution by keeping personal property on their person or
securing it in a safe place (locker or locked drawer). Cars in campus parking lots should be locked to
safeguard contents, and students should adopt a “buddy system” when going to their cars, especially at
night. Information about criminal sex offenders can be found at www.iowasexoffender.com. The College
occasionally conducts seminars on safety and crime prevention.
Use of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages on campus or at College-sponsored activities is strictly forbidden
and subject to state and federal laws.
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IVCCD also maintains a “zero tolerance” for firearms, weapons, explosives, bomb-making materials and /or
poisonous gases on College property. The possession or use of these items is prohibited on campus including
but not limited to buildings, grounds, parking lots, and housing units. The College forbids violence in any
form, including harassment and bullying by or toward employees and students.
Reporting Criminal Activities
Required reporting of criminal activity was formalized under the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act
of 1990. In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime
Statistics Act (also known as the Clery Act), IVCCD and ECC produce an annual Security and Fire Safety
Report, which is on the ECC website. The report is published annually by Oct. 1, containing three years of
campus crime statistics and certain campus security policy statements.
Campus crime statistics are also available through the Dean of Students & Academic Affairs’ Office (Gentle
Student Center, room 114) and Provost’s Office (Gentle Student Center, room 220) or by going to
http://nces.ed.gov/IPEDS/COOL and searching for Ellsworth Community College.
Reporting Procedures
1. Call 9-1-1 and report the incident.
2. Immediately notify someone in the ECC Student Services Office, the Provost’s Office, the Residence
Life/Housing staff, or a College administrator.
Harassment & Discrimination
Harassment and discrimination are prohibited and will not be tolerated at the College. Students, faculty,
staff, administrators, and board members are responsible for promotion, understanding, and acceptance of
College policies. Following are excerpts from IVCCD policies regarding education about and compliance with
state and federal regulations governing harassment and discrimination. Complete information is available in
IVCCD Board Policy 517 or by contacting a College official.
It is the policy of Iowa Valley Community College District to provide equal opportunities in its educational
programs, activities, practices, and policies without discrimination on the basis of color, creed, gender
identity, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
It is in violation of College policy for any student or staff member to discriminate against or harass other
students or staff members through conduct designed to reduce the dignity of that individual. Violations of
this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or dismissal.
Definitions
Harassment and discrimination may include, but are not limited to:
•
•
•
physical behavior or verbal or written comments of an offensive nature;
social invitations and comments with sexual innuendos;
the use of racial or sexual epithets or stereotypes, “slang” names, or any other language or
action that by its nature or effect degrades or insults a person;
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
•
•
•
•
•
repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
implied or explicit threats concerning one’s education;
demeaning jokes, stories or activities directed at a student;
inappropriate touching, such as unwelcome hugging, pinching or patting;
vulgar or obscene jokes, cartoons or pictures.
The College also prohibits unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal and
physical conduct of a sexual or otherwise offensive nature when submission to such conduct is made either
explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s educational decision or benefit; when submission to
or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for educational decisions affecting a student; when such
conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s educational performance; or
when the conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive education environment.
Reporting Procedures
Students who believe they have experienced harassment or discrimination should report to ECC Education
Equity Coordinator Dr. Lisa Stock (Gentle Student Center room 223, 648-648-8633), who will serve as
investigator. Complaints will be handled in a timely and confidential manner to the extent possible. Those
involved in the investigation will be instructed not to talk about the complaint outside the investigation. ECC
strictly prohibits any acts of retaliation against a student for filing a complaint, assisting or participating in a
harassment or discrimination investigation/hearing, or opposing language or conduct that violates this
policy.
The investigator will talk with the student making the complaint to obtain an understanding and a statement
of the facts. The investigator will also meet with the accused to obtain a response to the complaint. The
investigator may meet with the parties involved in the complaint as often as the investigator determines to
be necessary. If the complaint involves a College employee, the Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services
will become involved. Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator will make a recommendation to
the Provost, who will determine what further action should be taken on the complaint.
Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Domestic/Dating Violence, Stalking
IVCCD supports the rights of all students to live and study in an environment free from sexual coercion and
violence.
Sexual misconduct is a crime punishable by both civil and criminal legal action and a serious violation of the
IVCCD Standards of Conduct. It will not be tolerated within our community. Employees and students at
IVCCD are charged with the responsibility of being familiar with and abiding by the standards of conduct set
forth herein. The District will provide programs to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault,
stalking, and sexual harassment, including primary prevention and awareness education programs for all
incoming students, as well as ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns for students and employees,
which shall contain the information included in this guideline and related board policy and as required by
law. In addition to direct areas of threat, IVCCD will engage in training opportunities for bystander
intervention which focuses on both prevention messages and advocates for the facilitation of appropriate
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bystander behavior. This is done by a) increasing awareness of gender violence, b) increasing recognition that
it is a problem, c) increasing ownership/responsibility of the issue, d) developing skills to intervene, and e)
increasing recognition of such intervention. 1
The requirements of this policy do not discriminate based on sexual orientation or preference of individuals
engaging in sexual activity.
All College employees are considered mandatory reporters, with exemptions made for mental health
professionals and clergy as the law allows. When an employee becomes aware of an alleged act of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, domestic/dating violence or stalking, the employee must promptly contact ECC
Title IX Coordinator Lynn Duit (641-648-8513). The employee will complete a SaVE Act Reporting form. A
response team is also available to provide guidance. ECC Response Team members are Lynn Duit (Title IX
Coordinator), Mike Emerson (Title IX Investigator), and Amy Jones (Advocate).
Definitions
• Consent. Consent is knowing, voluntary, and clear permission by word or action, to engage in
mutually agreed upon sexual activity. In order to be effective, consent cannot be procured by use of
physical force, compelling threats, intimidating behavior, or coercion. Coercive behavior differs from
seductive behavior based on the type of pressure someone uses to get consent from another. For
consent to be valid, there must be clear expression in words or actions that the other individual
consented to that specific sexual conduct. When someone makes clear that he or she does not want
sex, that they want to stop, or that they do not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction,
continued pressure beyond that point can be coercive. Silence or the absence of resistance alone is
not consent. Consent may be withdrawn at any time.
In order to give effective consent, one must be of legal age (18). Sexual activity with someone a
person knows to be – or should know to be – mentally or physically incapacitated (because of
disability, alcohol or other drug use, sleep, unconsciousness, blackout, or bodily restraint), is a
violation of this policy. Any time sexual activity takes place between individuals, those individuals
must be capable of controlling their physical actions and be capable of making rational, reasonable
decisions about their sexual behavior. A person who has consumed alcohol or drugs may experience
diminished capacity for effective decision-making and action, and thus may be incapable of
consenting to sexual activity. Sexual activity with someone whose incapacity results from the
ingestion of a so-called date-rape drug is in violation of this policy. Use of alcohol or other drugs will
never function to excuse behavior that violates this policy.
•
1
Sexual Assault. An offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as
used by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program as noted below:
o Sex Offenses – Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the
victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
University of Northern Iowa Bystander Engagement
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
o
o
o
o
Rape – The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or
object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the
victim.
Fondling – The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of
sexual gratification without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is
incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or
permanent mental incapacity.
Incest – Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the
degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
Statutory Rape – Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
Sexual assault includes, but is not limited to, any sexual activity by a group or individual that takes
place without the effective consent of the other individual(s) involved. Sexual activity with someone
mentally or physically incapacitated (because of disability, alcohol/drug use, sleep, unconsciousness,
blackout or bodily restraint) is a violation of this policy. Sexual activity includes, but is not limited to,
intentional contact with breasts, buttocks, groin or genitals, or touching another person with any of
these body parts, or making another person touch you or themselves with or on any of these body
parts; intercourse, however slight, meaning vaginal penetration by a penis, object, tongue or finger,
anal penetration by a penis, object, tongue or finger; and oral copulation (mouth to genital or genital
to mouth contact).
•
Sexual Harassment is a sexual misconduct that includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, and other verbal, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature when 1) submission is
made explicitly or implicitly a term/condition of educational benefits, academic evaluations or access
to/participation in other College activities or opportunities, 2) submission to or rejection of such
conduct or communication is used as the basis for educational decisions affecting an individual, or 3)
the behavior is sufficiently severe or pervasive to unreasonably interfere with the student’s
education or College activities, or creates an intimidating, hostile or objectively offensive educational
environment. Sexually harassing behavior may include, but is not limited to, spreading sexual
rumors, catcalls or whistles, making sexual gestures, exposing genitalia and/or touching oneself
sexually in front of another, repeated and unwelcome sexual conversations, unwelcome and
persistent flirting or teasing of a sexual nature, persistent efforts to develop a sexual relationship,
pressure to engage in sexual behavior, other verbal or physical conduct that could be construed as
sexually-based, or unwanted electronic capture (webcam, camera, video, etc.) of a sexual nature.
These behaviors may be verbal, written or electronic in nature. Sexually exploitative behavior occurs
when a student takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his/her own
advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited, and
that behavior does not otherwise constitute one of the other sexual misconduct offenses. Sexual
exploitation may include, but is not limited to, prostituting another student, non-consensual
video/audio-taping or photography of sexual activity, unauthorized posting/distribution of materials
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
•
•
•
involving the sexual activity of another person, going beyond the boundaries of consent (such as
voyeurism/secretly watching others), or knowingly transmitting an STD or HIV to another student.
Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by a
current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim; by a person with whom the victim shares
a child in common; by a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a
spouse or intimate partner; by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the
domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred, or by any
other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the
domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.
Intimate Partner Violence. Intimate partner violence is violence committed by a person who is or
has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of
such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with
consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of the relationship, and the level of
interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. For the purposes of this definition,
intimate partner violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of
such abuse. Intimate partner violence does not include acts covered under the definition of student
domestic violence.
Stalking means engaging in conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable
person to fear for his/her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress.
Reporting Procedures
In an emergency, contact the Iowa Falls Police Department at 9-1-1 or 641-648-2527, and the ECC Title IX
Coordinator, Lynn Duit at 641-648-8513 (The Hub, Kruse Main, room 016). A student who wishes to report a
sexual assault or misconduct or file a complaint against another student or College employee should notify
the Title IX Coordinator; any member of the ECC Response Team identified earlier in this section of the
Handbook can explain support options, investigative steps, and hearing procedures. Complaints will be
handled in a timely and confidential manner to the extent reasonably possible.
The alleged victim has the option to notify law enforcement authorities including on-campus and local police,
be assisted by campus authorities in notifying law enforcement authorities (if the victim so chooses), and
decline to notify such authorities.
It is important to preserve evidence as may be necessary to prove domestic violence, dating violence, sexual
assault, stalking, or sexual harassment, or to obtain a court order. It is imperative for sexual assault victims to
have an examination at the local emergency facility as quickly as possible, and to not shower prior to having
a forensic examination. The longer an individual waits to pursue this option, the more difficult it becomes to
collect forensic evidence. The Title IX Coordinator, a sexual assault advocate, or local police can assist a
victim in obtaining an exam. Crime Victim Compensation may be available to victims of sexual assault; for
more information, call 800-373-5004.
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Support for Students
A student who files a report under this policy, as well as witnesses and any students present immediately
before, during or in the aftermath of an alleged sexual assault/misconduct may not be referred for
disciplinary action for unrelated violations (e.g. alcohol, parties, drugs, etc.). After reporting the alleged
sexual assault/misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator or campus security, a student may request these or
other reasonable accommodations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Change of an on-campus student’s housing to a different on-campus location.
Transferring class sections when available.
Assistance in exploring alternative housing, incompletes, leave, or withdrawal.
Assistance from the Financial Aid Administrator in understanding financial obligations and options,
including issues related to loan repayments terms and conditions.
5. Alternative work arrangements on campus.
6. No contact directives.
On-campus and off-campus resources are available to students at any time. Such accommodations may be
requested by the student regardless of whether he/she chooses to report the crime to campus police or law
enforcement. ECC offers free mental health counseling Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm in the
Hub (Kruse Main). Hardin County counseling services include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Crisis Intervention Services: 641-424-9071 or 641-424-9133.
Hansen Family Hospital: 920 S. Oak St., Iowa Falls, 641-648-4631.
Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline: 800-228-1625 or 800-284-7821.
Crime Victims’ Compensation Program: 515-281-5044.
Achieve Mental Health: 814 Railroad St., Iowa Falls, 641-648-4010.
Behavior Health Services: 322 ½ College Ave., Iowa Falls, 641-648-6491.
The ECC Response Team will make available a member to serve as an informal support person for both an
alleged victim and an accused individual to help each party navigate through the student conduct process. A
student who desires that details of the incident be kept confidential may speak with individuals who meet
the professional counselor/pastoral exemption under the Clery Act (mental health counselors) and who thus
may not be obligated to report crimes they have learned about. Additionally, students may speak to offcampus rape crisis resources who may maintain confidentiality and/or clergy or chaplains off-campus. The
College will protect the confidentiality of alleged victims and will not include identifying information about
them in publicly available reports, to the extent permitted by law. Written notification will also be provided
to students about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance and other
support services for alleged victims, both on-campus and in the community.
Investigative & Hearing Procedures
The Title IX Coordinator will meet with a student considering submitting a complaint, outline the process for
filing a complaint, and explain College procedures. A written report is typically required for a case to be
referred for action, but in cases of perceived danger for the campus community, the Title IX Coordinator may
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request a hearing of the Response Team without the cooperation of the student who originated the
complaint. College proceedings will provide a prompt, fair and impartial investigation and resolution.
Proceedings will be conducted by officials who receive annual training related to sexual misconduct and how
to conduct an investigation and hearing that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability.
Upon receipt of a report the Title IX Coordinator will contact the accused individual(s) to explain the
procedures and outline the basis for the complaint. The accused has the right to see the report that alleges a
violation.
As a matter of process, both parties in a case are ordered to have no contact with one another. This allows
the matter to proceed without any possible harassment or miscommunication between parties. Students
may pursue other orders of protection through the court system.
Once the College receives notice about a pending case of sexual assault/harassment or misconduct, an
investigator will review the matter and interview students and/or employees involved along with potential
witnesses. The investigator will submit written documentation to the Title IX Coordinator, who will make a
determination about whether or not a complaint may proceed to a hearing with a hearing board specifically
trained to deal with sexual assault/harassment and misconduct.
The respondent and complainant will be provided timely and equal access to any information that will be
used during informal and formal disciplinary meetings and hearings.
College proceedings are confidential to the extent possible and permitted by law. The Hearing Board receives
written complaints and schedules and conducts hearings related to sexual misconduct. The Title IX
Coordinator facilitates the hearing but is not a voting member of the Board. A three-member team comprises
the decision-making members of the Hearing Board. The Hearing Board hears statements from both parties,
asks questions, then makes a decision based upon the greater weight of the credible evidence. The Hearing
Board receives training in conducting hearings specifically related to sexual misconduct allegations.
The respondent(s) has the right to question his or her accuser through questions posed to the Hearing Board.
This right will not be denied. However, the complainant may request that accommodations be made to have
separate rooms or a room partition for each party, or may request an alternative reasonable arrangement in
order to minimize potential trauma or stress.
The complainant and respondent(s) are each entitled to the same opportunities to have a support person
(often a parent, friend, counselor, attorney, or faculty/staff member) present during a campus disciplinary
proceeding. This person can be in addition to the College support person.
Pertinent expert, psychological, and medical witnesses, and other evidence may be introduced into hearings,
but the Hearing Board will reserve the right to determine if such evidence is credible on its face or could
potentially be subject to rebuttal in the opinion of the Hearing Board, and thus, of questionable value.
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
While each case is different, the Hearing Board will generally ask questions primarily related to the following
areas: force, consent, and whether or not (or how) alcohol or drugs played a role in the alleged incident. The
Hearing Board will use the standard of preponderance of evidence in determining outcomes from the
hearing.
Both parties will be simultaneously informed in writing of the outcome and sanction of any campus
disciplinary proceeding regarding alleged sexual assault/harassment or misconduct within a timely fashion
and to the extent permitted by law. Any student found to have violated the sexual misconduct policy will be
subject to a sanction ranging from probation to expulsion, depending on the severity of the incident and
taking into account any previous campus conduct code violations and any other relevant circumstances.
Other individuals who are found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate sanctions as
determined and imposed by the Hearing Board. Other remedial or protective measures may also be
implemented as appropriate.
Any party in a hearing may appeal the decision following the Student Code of Conduct procedures. The party
may submit an appeal and should have access to the reasoning of the decision as expressed in the summary
and to the extent permitted by law. All campus investigations and disciplinary proceedings will take place
within a 60-day time frame, unless otherwise permitted by law.
Any retaliatory action or behavior taken toward an alleged victim or other individual as a consequence of his
or her decision to report a violation or pursue or participate in conduct action or criminal prosecution is
prohibited. Retaliation by any party may result in further disciplinary action. No officer, employee, or agent
of the College shall retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce, or otherwise discriminate against any individual
for exercising his or her rights or responsibilities under the Clery Act, as amended.
Deliberately false and/or malicious accusations of harassment, as opposed to grievances which, even if
erroneous, are made in good faith, are just as serious an offense as harassment and will be subject to
appropriate disciplinary action.
A student who reports that he/she has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault,
stalking, or sexual harassment, whether the offense occurred on- or off-campus, shall be provided with a
written explanation of the student’s rights and options, as described above. These guidelines shall be
construed to be consistent with the requirements of the Clery Act, as amended by the Violence Against
Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, including the Campus Sexual Violence Act and other applicable law.
College Student Email & Procedures
All students receive an iavalley.edu email when they are registered as a student. Students are required to
regularly check this email because important College information is shared only via this email during the
academic year. It is the student’s responsibility to access this email information regularly so as not to miss
any important material. The process to access email is as follows:
• Log in at https://ivdmail/iavalley.edu
• Your login ID is your IVCCD student ID number.
• Your initial password is your birthdate formatted as mmddyyyy.
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
•
•
Most users will set up an email address as firstname.lastname@iavalley.edu.
Important Exceptions: Because of duplicate names, you will need to check your email address after
you log in. You will see it displayed in the upper right corner of Outlook Web App.
Electronic Communications Policy
Students should be aware that information and communications they post on the Internet, including but not
limited to social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Internet message
boards, forums, web pages and blogs, are public in nature. When such information and communications
posted in these manners violate the ECC Student Conduct Code or ECC’s Housing Policy Manual, or if such
information indicates a violation of the Student Conduct Code or ECC’s Housing Policy Manual, this
information or communications may be used in a Student Conduct or Residential Student Conduct hearing. In
particular, communications that violate the Student Conduct Code and ECC’s Housing Policy Manual, such as
threats and harassment, are violations whether they are transmitted in person, by phone, over the Internet
or by any other means. Further information is available in IVCCD Board Policy 524.1.
Reproduction of Copyrighted Material
Reproduction of copyrighted material without prior permission of the copyright owner, particularly in an
educational setting, is an issue of concern for the academic community and may violate federal copyright
law. The following information is provided so that students can avoid violating the law. Federal copyright law
(Title 17 of the United States Code) gives copyright protection to original works of authorship fixed in any
tangible medium of expression. Even if no formal copyright notice is attached, written text, music, movies,
digital images, and computer software are some examples of intellectual property protected by copyright.
The same legal protections for copyrighted works exist in an electronic environment as they do in a paper
environment. Penalties for illegal copyright infringement may subject students and others who engage in
copyright infringement to significant civil and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment as well as
sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Universal precautions will be observed at all IVCCD locations in order to prevent contact with blood or other
potentially infectious materials. All individuals performing services on the District’s premises who have
potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens must conform to the requirements of the District’s Bloodborne
Pathogens Exposure Control Plan (Board Policy 409).
Chronic Communicable Diseases
The District recognizes its obligation and reaffirms its long-standing commitment to provide a safe and
healthful environment for all employees and students (Board Policy 417).
Students with identified chronic communicable diseases, including but not limited to infectious hepatitis,
tuberculosis, and AIDS, may, subject to the provisions of Board policy and guidelines, attend classes and
participate in other college-related activities. The District will attempt to make reasonable accommodations
so that there is no reasonable risk of transmission of the disease to others and/or no reasonable risk of
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
further injury to the student. The District shall respect the right to privacy of any student who has a chronic
communicable disease.
Student Right-to-Know Information
All schools that receive Title IV Federal Financial Aid (Pell Grants, Direct Stafford Loans, Federal Work Study,
etc.) are required to inform students each year of graduation rates at their school. Rates are calculated based
on 150% of the time that it would take to earn a degree (students seeking a 2-year degree would be tracked
for 3 years to be counted in the graduation rate cohort). The three-year graduation rate for Ellsworth
Community College students who first entered in the Fall of 2012 on a full-time basis was 25%. The transfer
rate for the Fall 2012 cohort was 38%. Student-athletes who first entered on a full-time basis during Fall 2012
had a graduation rate of 35%.
The following policies are cited from the Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Board Policy
Manual. The complete policy manual is available on the College website.
Student Right-to-Know Website
Right-to-know information is updated on the College website. The Right to Know web page includes
information about graduation rates, grievance and complaint information, the annual Security & Fire Safety
Report, and how the College defines credit education.
ECC Education Equity Statement
It is the policy of Iowa Valley Community College District to provide equal opportunities in its educational
programs, activities, practices, and policies without discrimination on the basis of color, creed, gender
identity, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Retaliation
against any individual for reporting discrimination or assisting in providing information relevant to a report of
discrimination is strictly prohibited by IVCCD and constitutes a violation of this policy. Students who feel they
have been subjected to discrimination in violation of this policy may file a formal complaint through the
Student Grievance or Student Complaint Procedure. Ellsworth Community College students who feel they
have been discriminated against are advised to contact Dr. Lisa Stock, Equity Officer (641-648-8633 or
Lisa.Stock@iavalley.edu). Equity complaints may also be filed with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission in Des
Moines at (515) 281-4121, or with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, in Chicago, IL, at
(312) 730-1560. In the event that a complaint cannot be satisfied through one of these avenues, the Iowa
College Student Aid Commission (ICSAC) is authorized to receive and review complaints from students. You
may contact ICSAC to register your complaint at https://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/content/constituentrequest-review. If an issue cannot be resolved through ICSAC, you may file a complaint with either the Iowa
Department of Education (515-281-0319) or the Higher Learning Commission (https://www.ncahlc.org/; ph.
312-263-0456).
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In 1990, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide persons with disabilities equal access
to employment, education, and social services. ECC is committed to the regulations of the Americans with
Disabilities Act in making reasonable accommodations for students or patrons of the College in accessing its
facilities.
IVCCD and ECC have a formal procedure (Board Policy 516) for relocating programs, classes, services, or
activities to accommodate students with disabilities and to assure accessibility to College facilities. Any
student with a disability who has a need for accommodations must notify the College administration of his or
her needs, and the College will effect changes in a reasonable manner to assist the student in being
successful in the College environment. Steps for obtaining such accommodations are listed in this handbook
under Student Policies & Procedures.
To make ADA identification, students should contact Wanda Koehrsen (641-648-8587) or Tuyet Noriega (641648-8586). A student who feels his or her accommodation needs have not been met should follow the
grievance procedure under Student Policies & Procedures.
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 and Release of Student Information
Copies of Board Policy 501 and the related Guidelines regarding the Act may be obtained via the College
website. The following summarizes the provisions of the Act and subsequent amendments:
Students have the right to inspect and review their education records. ECC will grant students the right to
inspect their education records within 45 days of the request. Students do not have the right to inspect
confidential letters and statements of recommendation put in their file prior to 1/1/75, to parents' financial
records, or to confidential letters or recommendations (for which they have signed a waiver) with respect to
admission, application for employment, or receipt of an honor.
Students have the right to seek amendment of the content of their education records regarding the accuracy
of such records and whether the records are misleading or constitute a violation of their privacy rights. This
procedure may involve a hearing on the correction or deletion of allegedly inaccurate, misleading, or
inappropriate data and the opportunity for students to insert in their records a written explanation of the
contents of the records.
Except as provided for within the Act, personal identifiable information about students in education records
cannot be released without written consent. The College may release “directory information” without
written consent unless the student specifically requests that such information not be released. Directory
information includes the student’s name; hometown; major; enrollment status (full-time, part-time, not
enrolled, freshman/sophomore); participation in officially recognized activities; participation in officially
recognized sports; height and weight of members of athletic teams; dates of attendance; and degrees,
diplomas, certificates earned and awards (e.g. Dean’s List). Students may indicate a preference that any or all
of this information not be released by submitting a written request to the Registrar’s Office within the first
30 calendar days of the beginning of each term or within the first five calendar days for each summer term. If
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a student elects to have directory information remain confidential, no information will be released without
consent.
The College will maintain a record of access to students’ education records. This record is accessible only to
the student and the staff in the Student Services Office, or as provided for in the Act. The record of access
will not apply to access of education records by ECC officials (may include a person employed by IVCCD in an
administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position; or a member of the Board of Directors; or a
contractor, consultant, or volunteer to whom IVCCD has outsourced institutional services or functions, in
accordance with the conditions of FERPA) with a legitimate educational interest (if review of the record is
needed for the official to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for IVCCD) and as otherwise provided in
the Act.
Students may request and receive unofficial copies of all or part of their education records. Students can
access unofficial copies through their student account. Students have the right to request and receive a
response that will explain or interpret their education records.
The College forwards records on request to a school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is
enrolled, for enrollment/transfer purposes.
Complaints concerning alleged violations of the Act may be made with the College and/or the federal Family
Policy Compliance Office of the U.S. Dept. of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20202.
Higher Education Act Amendment of 1998
IVCCD reserves the right to comply with the Higher Education Act Amendment of 1998. This allows
institutions to disclose to a student’s parent or legal guardian information regarding a violation of federal,
state, or local laws, or of the institution’s rules or policies governing the use or possession of alcohol or
drugs, if the student is under 21 and the institution determines he or she has committed a disciplinary
violation with respect to alcohol or drug use or possession.
Crime Awareness & Campus Security Act of 1990
Federal law requires the College to report criminal actions occurring on campus. IVCCD Board Policy 555
provides for compliance with the law.
The Crime Awareness & Campus Security Act of 1990 mandates that colleges maintain a safe campus
through enforcement of appropriate college regulations and compliance with state and federal laws. As part
of its safe campus program, Ellsworth Community College maintains a drug-free college and restricts access
to the campus during non-operating hours and to non-College organizations. The Iowa Falls Police
Department includes the ECC campus on its patrols.
Campus policies and procedures at Ellsworth Community College, specified below, help promote a safe
environment for students, faculty and staff, and campus visitors.
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Criminal activity as defined by the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act (burglary, murder,
rape, aggravated assault, robbery, auto theft, manslaughter and arson) and arrests made in
conjunction with liquor law violations, drug abuse violations, and weapons possession on the College
campuses or in College facilities will be reported to the Provost in a timely manner. The Provost will
collect and compile annual statistics regarding such criminal activity.
Access to College facilities after normal hours is restricted and by permission of proper authorities
only. Additional security measures are in place at ECC.
Matters of safety and security concerning College residencies are under supervision of the ECC
Director of Athletics & Student Life. All incidents breaching safety and security of residents and
employees are reported to the Director of Athletics & Student Life or law enforcement officials (in
cases of emergency). The College provides an orientation to safe and secure living on campus.
The Provost is the campus law enforcement authority, in conjunction with local, state and federal
police departments or law enforcement agencies.
The College maintains zero tolerance for firearms, ammunition, weapons, explosives, bomb-making
materials and poisonous gases on or in College-owned property. Weapons under the control of law
enforcement officials are exempt; additional exemptions may be approved by the Provost for
educational purposes. The College forbids violence in any form by or toward employees and
students.
A security report is published annually, including statistics and information as outlined above.
College employees, including faculty, administrative staff, plant services staff, and security staff, who do not
have police authority, are authorized to report suspicious activity to the Provost. The Provost is authorized to
enforce all College regulations and to report all criminal activity to law enforcement authorities.
Students who commit crimes on campus are subject to both arrest by law enforcement authorities and
College disciplinary procedures.
Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act Amendment of 1989
It is the policy of Ellsworth Community College to comply with the Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act
Amendment of 1989, the Higher Education Act Amendment of 1998, and Public Law 101-226, to provide staff
and students with information to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the illegal use of alcohol, and to provide
a drug-free workplace for students and staff. It is unlawful for students to possess, use, or distribute illicit
drugs and alcohol on College property or as part of any College-sponsored activity. Iowa laws pertaining to
the possession and use of illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages on public property will be followed.
Specifically, it is a violation of the drug and alcohol policy for students to purchase, manufacture, possess, or
consume such items on campus or off campus at College-sponsored events/activities.
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Student Enrollment & Registration Information
Enrollment
If you are a new, prospective student, thank you for your interest in Ellsworth Community College. The
following Steps 1-4 are required before registering for classes:
1. Apply to ECC, either online or with the paper Application for Admission form.
2. Contact your high school and request that they mail your “official” high school transcript to ECC
Admissions.
3. If applicable, contact all colleges where you have attended and/or have credit, and request that they
mail your “official” college transcript(s) to ECC Admissions.
4. Forward your ACT scores and/or take our placement test.
5. Also, you are encouraged to apply for financial aid, which begins with completing the FAFSA (online).
Any questions about new student enrollment should be directed to the Admissions Office (648-4611 or
eccinfo@iavalley.edu). The Admissions Office is located upstairs in Gentle Student Center.
Fresh Start Policy
Persons who previously attended the College, have not attended within the past two years (four semesters),
and have less than a 1.80 cumulative grade point average may be eligible for a Fresh Start. This policy
eliminates the student’s previous grade point average while retaining the credits.
Students must request in writing to the Registrar’s Office that they want to be considered for a Fresh Start.
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Students must earn at least 12 credit hours after returning before the Fresh Start policy is
implemented.
The Fresh Start policy does not apply to credits attempted or earned at other institutions.
Original grades affected by Fresh Start will remain on students’ transcripts, but will not be included in
the grade point average calculation.
To satisfy graduation requirements, a student must earn 15 credits after being granted a Fresh Start.
Student Load
Each student should plan to devote approximately two hours of preparation time for each hour in class. A
student load of 15 to 16 hours is considered normal. Students desiring to take more than 18 credit hours
must receive approval from the Registrar, provided such a load has been recommended by the student’s
advisor. To receive such permission, a student normally should maintain a “B” average or better. These limits
in student load do not apply to vocational-technical programs of the College.
Registration
New students are required to meet with an academic advisor or Student Success Specialist when registering
for classes for the first time. During this initial meeting the student and advisor review major interests,
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degree requirements, prior coursework and test scores, as well as discussing College procedures and other
important information needed to effectively progress at ECC.
Many returning students are able to register themselves for future academic terms. However, in general,
students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their advisor prior to registering each term to
clarify their progress. Students should plan their academic programs carefully, keeping in mind course
sequencing, prerequisites, and preferred degree timeline. When necessary, course changes may be made
according to the procedures outlined below.
Students with special needs are encouraged to self-identify in advance, and contact Wanda Koehrsen, TRIO
Coordinator/Student Success Specialist (641-648-8587) to request assistance and coordinate appropriate
accommodations. To obtain additional accommodations information, see information under Student Policies
& Procedures. A student who feels his or her accommodation needs have not been met should feel free to
contact Wanda Koehrsen for further assistance.
Changes in Registration
Students may make class schedule changes, as available, through the first week of a full (16-week) semester
(Fall and Spring semesters) without financial consequence.
Beginning the second week of class (Fall and Spring semesters): ½ tuition and all fees will be assessed for any
dropped course; adding a course will require instructor approval; and courses dropped will be listed on the
student’s transcript with the grade “W” (Withdrawn).
Beginning the third week of class (Fall and Spring semesters): 100% of tuition & fees will be assessed for any
dropped course; adding a course will require instructor approval and approval from the Registrar’s Office;
and courses dropped will be listed on the student’s transcript with the grade “W” (Withdrawn).
NOTE: Tuition refunds are based upon the date of official withdrawal, not upon the last date of attendance.
Charges for withdrawal during summer, special or condensed sessions will be charged as of the second day
of class, unless otherwise posted by the Registrar’s Office (in accordance with Board Policy). This information
is subject to change. Current information regarding refunds of tuition due to withdrawal, including the
refund schedule for interim and summer sessions, can be found under “Tuition Refund Policy” in the College
catalog or by contacting the Registrar’s Office. Speak with your advisor regarding other course withdrawal
dates.
Grades, Classifications & Graduation
Grading System
Each instructor keeps a record of the work of each student and reports the names and grades at the close of
each mid-term and semester. Only final grades become part of the permanent College record. The grading
system is:
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A 4.00 Grade Point; A- 3.67 Grade Point; B+ 3.33 Grade Point; B 3.00 Grade Point; B- 2.67 Grade Point; C+
2.33 Grade Point; C 2.00 Grade Point; C- 1.67 Grade Point; D+ 1.33 Grade Point; D 1.00 Grade Point; D0.67 Grade Point; F 0.0 Grade Point.
Other transcripted grades include: CL CLEP; I Incomplete; N Audited course (full tuition charged; no credit);
NR No Grade Reported; P Passing; Q No credit; T Credit by examination; W Withdrew from course; WIP In
progress; * Course Repeated. Add L per new Board Policy Guideline 662; somewhere need to add that policy
content about Credit for Prior Learning, too.
Computing Your Grade Point Average (GPA)
1. Multiply the hours of credit by the appropriate grade points per course.* A=4, A-=3.67, B+=3.33, B=3,
B-=2.67, C+=2.33, C=2, and so on. I=0.
2. Total the grade points earned, then total the credits attempted.
3. Divide the total grade points earned by the number of credits earned, excluding developmental
courses and courses in which a “N,” “NR,” “W,” or “CL” grade occurred.
Student Classification
ECC has four official student classifications: Freshman – has accumulated 27 credit hours or less of credit.
Sophomore – has accumulated 28 credit hours or more of credit. Full-time – is enrolled for 12 credit hours or
more per semester. Part-time – is enrolled for fewer than 12 credit hours per semester.
Residency
Students enrolling at ECC are classified as residents or non-residents for purposes of admission and
assessment of tuition and fees. Residency is determined by the student’s true and fixed home and place of
habitation. The primary determination of residency is the reason for the student’s presence in Iowa. If a
person comes to Iowa primarily for educational purposes, that person will be considered a non-resident
throughout his/her enrollment at ECC. Students who have been classified as non-residents and believe they
should be eligible for resident tuition may apply for reclassification. Students must complete a Request for
Residency form and provide written verification to the Registrar that they have been residents within the
State of Iowa for at least 90 days prior to the term for which the student is enrolling. Verification must come
in the form of at least two or more of the following written documents: an Iowa voter registration card, an
Iowa driver’s license, an Iowa state income tax return (signed and dated), and Iowa vehicle registration form
or other indicators of Iowa residency (apartment lease, utility bills, etc.). The burden of establishing proof of
residency is with the student and a student’s residency status cannot be reclassified once a semester begins.
An adverse decision by the Registrar may be appealed. The Dean of Students & Academic Affairs acts as the
appeals body for residency questions. The decision of the Dean of Students & Academic Affairs is final.
Graduation & Commencement
Information on specific requirements may be obtained online, or from an advisor, a Student Services staff
member, or the Registrar.
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Faculty advisors will help students plan to meet graduation requirements; however, ultimate responsibility
for meeting the requirements rests with each student.
Graduation is held in May of each year. Students planning to graduate must apply at the Registrar’s Office.
The signature of the student’s academic advisor must be obtained before the "Graduation Application" will
be processed, and an Advising Worksheet must be included with the application. Contact the Registrar’s
Office for specific deadlines.
Student Transcripts, Billing & Withdrawal
Transcripts
All information in each student’s personal College record is confidential and is issued only to the student or
others defined by the Federal Privacy Act. Requests for transcripts from any individual or agency will not be
satisfied until a signed request for the transcript has been received by the Registrar’s Office from the
student.
A fee will be assessed, payable in advance, based upon how the requestor wishes the document to be
processed. Transcripts are not issued if students have outstanding financial obligations to ECC, have not
returned College library materials, or have other outstanding obligations to ECC.
Billing
The College requires payment in full by the end of the first day of class for a specific term. Financial payment
plans are available and the student will be charged a $25 administrative fee. A $25 late fee will be assessed
for any delinquent payments.
Students will be billed in three equal monthly installments per term. These billings will be mailed to the
student and payments are due by the date specified on the billing. Students are responsible for notifying the
College of any address changes.
If the student does not make a scheduled payment when due, IVCCD may, at its option, drop the student
from all classes, declare any unpaid balance to be in default and may demand immediate payment of the
entire unpaid balance, including charges, interest, late charges, and collection costs.
A student in default cannot register for the following term until his or her account is paid in full. Defaulted
accounts are handled by an outside collection agency and the student’s credit record may be negatively
affected.
Adding & Dropping Classes
Students who find it necessary to add or drop one or more of their classes must complete a Drop form in the
Registrar’s Office. A partial refund of tuition will be based on the following schedule:
Percent of Enrollment Period Refund: 0 - 6% = 100%; Over 6% - 12% = 50%; Over 12% = 0%.
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Fees are not refundable after the first week of class for a regular semester. Tuition/fee refunds for summer,
interim, or special sessions will be prorated accordingly.
Withdrawal From All Classes
Students who find it necessary to withdraw from all of their classes should confer immediately with their
advisor or the Registrar and complete a Withdrawal form, which is available in the Registrar’s Office. Failure
to do so will result in the issuance of failing grades. If students withdraw in the first 12% of the term and are
not receiving federal financial aid, they are entitled to a refund based on the policy above. Students receiving
federal financial aid should refer to the Financial Aid Refund Policy in the College catalog.
Administrative Withdrawal Policy
Regular class attendance and consistent study habits are essential to success in college and are expected of
all students at Ellsworth Community College. Experience has demonstrated that absence and tardiness
contribute to academic failure. Any absence interferes with the learning process. The legitimacy of the
reason for absence in no way minimizes the loss incurred. Therefore, the College is committed to the vital
importance of regular attendance in all classes.
Instructors will hold all classes as scheduled and students are expected to be in attendance. If a student is
absent, the instructor is in the best position to judge the effect of that absence on the student’s progress.
Students should note that individual instructors might have their own particular attendance requirements as
stated in course syllabi.
If absence from class is due to a temporary disability, including, but not limited to, pregnancy, or a personal
or family emergency, instructor and tutoring assistance are available to students so that coursework can be
maintained until regular class attendance is resumed. It is the student's responsibility to notify instructors
should these circumstances arise. The College reserves the right to drop a student for total non-attendance
of classes.
If sporadic attendance or prolonged absences continue, the Financial Aid Office has the right to revoke any
state or federal assistance the student may receive. In addition, if sporadic attendance or prolonged
absences continue, the following may occur:
1. Upon faculty/staff recommendation, the Dean of Students & Academic Affairs or designee may
approve that the student be dropped from the class based on faculty records and documentation.
The student and instructor will also be notified immediately.
2. Any student who has been dropped from class because of excessive absenteeism has the right to
appeal. The appeal shall be made in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct procedure.
3. If the recommendation for dropping the student from class is upheld under the Code of Conduct
process, a review of the student’s full-time status will be conducted. If full-time status for the
student has changed and such student is an ECC housing resident, the student may be removed from
his or her student housing residence.
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Leave of Absence Policy
The Leave of Absence (LOA) is a federally mandated policy for all students who receive Title IV federal
financial assistance (Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Parent
Loans, and Student Educational Opportunity Grants) who have experienced a situation that will require them
to temporarily stop attending classes. LOA refers to the specific time period during a program when a
student is not in attendance. Some possible types of LOA eligible for approval include:
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Pregnancy with childbirth imminent
Doctor-documented illness or health restrictions for a period of time
Documented family emergency
Documented religious obligation
Other documented emergencies that may interfere with attendance
The student’s request for an LOA must be in writing, signed and dated using the LOA Request Form and
should be applied for in advance of the leave if at all possible. The LOA is a temporary situation and must not
exceed a total of 30 days in any 12-month period. The 12-month period begins with the first day of the initial
request on the official LOA documented form. The LOA may be voluntary (more prevalent) or involuntary if
the campus has banned a student from campus or has determined that a student poses a significant risk to
the College. A committee will review the request and notify the student and stakeholders upon approval.
Students are considered to be continuously enrolled while on an LOA. As such, they are not assessed
additional charges while they are on the LOA or once they return from the LOA. While students are not
charged any additional charges in either case, they may not also receive any additional Title IV monies for the
period once they have returned. Courses not approved for a leave of absence will result in the student being
withdrawn from the course. If a student is granted a leave of absence but does not return to class or
complete required coursework (and does not receive an extended leave) at the end of the leave, the
student’s withdrawal will be the first date of the leave.
In addition, IVCCD appreciates the important contributions of our students who have served or are currently
serving in our military. Documented military leave and/or medical treatment provided to the VA School
Certified Official will be considered an LOA request. In case of call-ups for service in times of military action,
students who are called up may work out with faculty a grade based on the work they have completed or
choose to be issued an incomplete grade based on the best scenario for the student’s ability to complete the
course.
If the student chooses to withdraw due to lengthy military training obligations or extended medical
treatment during the semester, he or she should be directed to the VA School Certified Official’s office to
proceed with the Military Activation withdrawal or other necessary procedures.
Identification (ID) Cards
Each ECC student will be issued only one ID card per year, and will be required to present a current ECC
student ID for admittance to College functions, the Dale Howard Family Activity Center, and to check out
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materials or take make-up tests at the Osgood Library. Photo ID cards are issued in the Osgood Library (Kruse
Main Hall) from 8 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays. The ID card is
non-transferable and is valid only for the person to whom it was issued.
Students needing to replace a lost, stolen or broken ID card may do so at the Osgood Library; there is a $10
fee to replace cards, payable in cash at the library. If a student needs to pay by credit/debit card, the student
must do so in the Business Office, located upstairs in Gentle Student Center. The credit/debit charge will be
made and the student will receive a receipt to present to the library staff for ID replacement. Students will
not be allowed to charge replacement IDs to their student accounts.
International Students
International students may obtain help in the Student Services Office with their immigration, academic,
personal, and financial concerns. Contact Tina Ruch-Wesselmann (641-648-8524) or Roger Baptista Lugo
(641-648-8512) for more information.
Attendance
There is a strong relationship between success in college and class attendance. Any absence interferes with
the learning process and may contribute to academic failure. Because ECC is committed to helping students
find success, the College is committed to the importance of regular attendance in all classes. ECC instructors
are required by federal student financial aid regulations to maintain accurate attendance records and submit
those records periodically to the ECC administration.
Instructors individually determine their attendance policies. Attendance policies will be written in the course
syllabus. It is each student’s responsibility to find out individual instructors’ policies by reading the course
syllabus. Students are expected to confer with instructors immediately following absences. In cases of
advance knowledge of an absence, students should confer with instructors prior to the absence.
Courses for Academic Preparation
Academic support services are available at the Hub, located in the lower level of Kruse Main Hall. In addition,
free tutoring by qualified peer tutors is provided to ECC students upon request. Accommodations are
available to assist students with documented disabilities. See the College website or contact a staff member
for additional information.
College Transfer
Students planning to transfer to other colleges or universities may receive help and information on
procedures by consulting with their academic advisor. More information is available on the ECC website or in
the ECC Student Services Office in the Gentle Student Center.
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Departments & Services Information
Bookstore
Located in the Gentle Student Center, the ECC Bookstore sells new and used textbooks, assorted clothing,
and supplies to ECC students. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm; during registration
periods, hours may be extended.
Books may also be purchased online at http://eccbookstore.iavalley.edu/home.aspx.
Books may be returned the first week of classes (return deadline will be posted in the bookstore) for a full
refund if they are:
1. In new, unused condition (including no writing or marking or bent corners and, if wrapped, still in
original wrapping).
2. Accompanied by a class drop form processed by the Registrar’s Office.
3. Accompanied by a cash or charge receipt.
Textbooks may be sold during the buy back period at the end of the semester if they are listed on the
bookstore’s buy back list; a photo ID is required. Purchasing procedures are subject to change.
Buena Vista University, Iowa Falls Center
Established in 1996, BVU Graduate & Professional Studies at ECC is one of 16 Iowa site locations of Buena
Vista University, Storm Lake. Working with ECC, BVU provides the last two years of a bachelor's degree. BVU
is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and
Schools, the Iowa Department of Education, and the Veterans Administration.
Currently, BVU at Iowa Falls offers several majors, certifications and endorsements. Classes start every eight
weeks with formats that include two evenings a week, online or hybrid. For information contact the BVU
office in Reg Johnson Hall, room 117, or email iowafalls@bvu.edu; ph: 712-749-1944.
Bulletin Boards & TV Monitors
Notices and posters displayed on campus must be approved by the Provost's Office. Regulations regarding
posting of printed materials are posted on all bulletin boards and are also available in the Student Services
Office.
The TV monitors (electronic bulletin boards) in Gentle Student Center, Kruse Main, Math-Science, McClure
Hall, Reg Johnson Hall, the Dale Howard Center, and the Agriculture/Renewable Energy Center are updated
regularly. All students are strongly encouraged to check the monitors daily. Weekly schedules of sporting
events, campus and club club activities, college rep visits, and other important information is listed on the
monitors. Contact the Marketing Office in Gentle Student Center (room 130) if you have questions regarding
information on the monitors.
Career Assistance
Career counseling can further a student’s ability to determine a major area of study and find career options
which work within the student’s expressed career choices. ECC offers the opportunity for students to be
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actively engaged in the career exploration process through the College Central Network and Career Coach
websites.
Students can also access career information by logging on to the ECC Library web page and visiting the career
section listed under “Links from A to Z.” In the career section, students can also find links to compare
colleges and get assistance in planning their future. The ECC Library also has more than 300 specific career
booklets available; see a library staff member for additional assistance.
Counseling
Professional assistance is available to help students in furthering their educational, vocational, and personal
development. Adjustment to college often requires advising and counseling. ECC employs licensed mental
health professionals. Specialized assistance is also available in vocational rehabilitation, course selection and
registration (academic counseling), and financial aid. Contact the Hub for a referral.
Dale Howard Family Activity Center
ECC students are encouraged to enjoy the Dale Howard Family Activity Center. Located at the southwest
corner of the campus, the facility was built with the needs of both students and the community in mind.
Students can use the indoor walking/running track; work out with state-of-the-art circuit training equipment,
treadmills, or fitness bikes; enjoy an aerobics class in the exercise room; take a swim or relax in the sauna; or
take up tennis on the indoor court. Then, relax with a snack in the Panther Den (also featuring wireless
internet access). Additional classes and activities include Boot Camp, open gym, cycling, Yoga, and Ab Blast.
Drug, Alcohol, Gambling & Crisis Services
Students should feel free to ask faculty members, advisors, or student services staff for help with referrals for
community resources.
The following is a list of off-campus agencies:
Alcohol/Drug Use: Alcoholics Hotline: 1-800-527-5344. American Council on Alcoholism: www.aca-usa.com,
800-527-5344. National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence: www.addictionsearch.com, 1-800-5599503. National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-4357, information/referral line which directs
callers to local treatment centers. Substance Abuse Treatment Unit of Central Iowa/SATUCI: Eldora,
www.satuci.com, 641-939-7280.
Crisis/Mental Health: Achieve Mental Health: 814 Railroad St., Iowa Falls, 641-648-4010. Behavioral Health
Services: 322 ½ College Ave., Iowa Falls, 641-648-6491. Crisis Foundation2, 24-Hour Crisis Hotline:
www.foundation2.org, 1-800-332-4224.
Eating Disorders: National Eating Disorders Association, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org, 1-800-931-2273.
Gambling: Bets Off (Iowa): 1-800-BETS-OFF. National Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org.
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Sexual Abuse & Assault: Crime Victims’ Compensation Program: 515-281-5044. Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline:
1-800-284-7821. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: www.rainn.org, 1-800-656-HOPE.
Suicide: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org, 1-800-273-TALK.
Ellsworth College Foundation & Board of Trustees
The Ellsworth College Foundation and the Ellsworth College Board of Trustees offer scholarships and grants
to gifted and well-qualified students. These scholarships may be combined with need-based financial aid and
local scholarships to ensure many worthy students find a college education within their budgets.
Applications, criteria, and deadlines for all Ellsworth College Foundation scholarships are available online.
Financial Aid
Financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time employment is available to assist
qualified students with College expenses. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office in Gentle
Student Center, 2nd floor.
Food Service
All students who live on campus shall subscribe to one of the meal plans, posted on the College website. The
charge for the meal plan is calculated on a semester basis. Student enrolled in cooperative programs who are
not on campus full-time are charged on a pro-rated basis.
Students who live off-campus may also eat their meals at the cafeteria on the same basis as on-campus
students. Students not on the meal plan may purchase individual meals in the cafeteria if they desire. The
College reserves the right to alter all food service costs without prior notice.
If a student withdraws from the College, a food service refund will be made effective on the Monday
following withdrawal from the College.
The College maintains a snack area open during posted hours in the Dale Howard Family Activity Center.
Light refreshments and beverages can be purchased at nominal costs.
Health Services
The College provides part-time student health services. The Student Health Office is located in Gentle
Student Center; hours are posted. Treatment of minor health problems and medical referrals are available
through the Student Health Office. Ultimately, students are responsible for their own medical care (Board
Policy 551).
The Hub
Located in the lower level of Kruse Main Hall, the Hub was created on the basis of the “linger and learn”
philosophy, which embraces the idea of social learning in the context of a student’s overall college
experience. The Hub is designed to reflect a relaxed study atmosphere where students are encouraged to
work together to achieve academic solutions.
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The Hub is open Mondays and Thursdays from 8 am to 8 pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 am to 4:30
pm, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon while College classes are in session. Labs are free and open to all
students, staffed by students who are in your classes and know how to help you with assignments/studying.
The Hub staff offer several tailored services for students, including academic and scheduling assistance,
assistance filling out FAFSA and other financial aid forms, disability services and course accommodations,
TRiO, personal counseling, career counseling, tutoring, and Writing Center help. Students who need
assistance in these areas may visit the Hub for more information.
Peer Tutoring provides free assistance for students enrolled in specific ECC courses. Tutors are students
currently enrolled in the course or who have successfully completed the course. Students are encouraged to
seek assistance as soon as they experience difficulty in a course, as it may take up to two weeks to arrange a
tutoring schedule. To be assigned a peer tutor (or to become a tutor), students should contact a faculty
member or visit Wanda Koehrsen in the Hub.
The Writing Center provides one-on-one assistance with writing assignments for all ECC classes. ECC
students can get help at any stage of the writing process; drop-in visits are welcome at any time. Students
wishing to receive feedback on their writing may email their papers to ECCWritingCenter@iavalley.edu.
Papers must be submitted at least five days in advance for feedback, which takes a minimum of two days and
a maximum of four days to return. For faster service, visit the Hub and speak to a Writing Center tutor
individually.
Osgood Library
The Osgood Library is located on the main floor in Kruse Main Hall. It is a resource for students, faculty, and
community members. During the fall and spring semesters, the library is open Monday through Friday and
Sunday evenings. Watch for posted special hours during breaks and holidays. On evenings before and after
holidays and during academic holidays, regular library services are suspended. The library is closed whenever
the campus is closed. Shorter library hours are maintained during the summer sessions. Please note the
hours posted on the Kruse Main Hall entry doors and on the library website.
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Library Services – A staff member is on duty whenever the library is open to assist in locating and
using resources. There are tables, seating areas, and conference rooms which offer a variety of study
space. There is also a computer lab with individual work stations for student use. Also available to
students through the library are EBooks, newspapers, career information, a fax machine, scanner,
and many more services.
Student ID Cards – The ECC photo IDs with library patron bar codes are used to borrow library
materials. A photo ID is also required when students take make-up tests at the library.
Interlibrary Loan Services – In addition to the ECC library collection of more than 50,000 volumes
and 8,000 periodicals, newspapers and career files; interlibrary loan services are available to offer
access to information not available at ECC. Many libraries in Iowa are part of the state interlibrary
loan system, which includes state, college, university, medical, and public libraries. Interlibrary loans
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are available free of charge to all students if the requests are limited to three items per request. Plan
ahead for this service and allow two weeks for items to arrive.
Copy Machine – A coin-operated copy machine is available in the library. A nominal fee is charged
when library staff members are asked to make student copies and/or color copies. Please note that
students are responsible for adhering to any and all copyright laws and regulations.
Computer Access – All ECC students may access the College’s computer system and internet via a
log-in (code assigned to each individual student) and use College computers in the library, computer
labs, or elsewhere on campus as a student privilege. This privilege is not a student right and it can be
revoked if inappropriate computer use is reported.
Computer use is limited to legal use of computers as outlined by state and federal laws. The library
computers are dedicated to reference, research, and class projects. To utilize the library computers,
students need a basic knowledge of computer applications. The knowledgeable library staff is
available to provide assistance. Wi-Fi access is available in the library and throughout Kruse Main
Hall. Printing from a laptop is possible through web printing; see library staff for instructions.
Online Resources – The library subscribes to online research/reference databases. This includes
general academic periodical databases, encyclopedias, and the online card catalog. Students are
required to log in to the databases on the library’s website. Most resources are available to students
from any computer, both on and off campus.
Audiovisual Equipment – Students may use audiovisual and camera equipment for a class or activityrelated projects if the instructor or sponsor checks out the equipment for the student. A two-day
notice would ensure the availability of the equipment when the student needs it. Faculty use is the
first priority; students should access equipment through their instructor/sponsor.
Recycling
ECC offers a recycling program for paper, newspapers, magazines, and recyclable bottles/cans. Recycling bins
are placed at various locations around campus.
Residence Life & Housing (Student Housing)
ECC has on-campus student housing in Thompson Hall (men only), Wall Hall (co-ed), the College Apartments
(co-ed), and the College Suites (co-ed). On a space-available basis, all full-time freshman students under 21
who are not heads of household or not living with parents or guardians are required to live in College student
housing. This policy exists because the residence experience is considered an integral part of the students’
education. By learning to live and work with fellow residents, students may become more tolerant and wellrounded individuals.
Students living in student housing are also required to purchase a meal plan from the College cafeteria.
The housing contract is for the entire academic year; permission to be released from the contract will be
made only in extenuating circumstances.
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Residence Hall Rates
Current housing and food service rates are on the ECC website. Students in cooperative programs receive a
pro-rated reduction in their room and board contract during the semester they are away from campus. The
College reserves the right to change room and board rates at any time.
Making Room Reservations
Applications for housing accommodations should be sent to the Department of Housing as far in advance as
possible to ensure a room assignment; applications must be accompanied by a $200 deposit. The $200
serves not only to reserve a room, but also as a damage and performance deposit. A space will not be held
unless the deposit has been received. Roommate preferences should be indicated in the appropriate space
on the housing application.
Requests for deposit refunds will be honored until Aug. 1. All refund requests must be made in writing to
Nate Forsyth, Director of Athletics & Student Life.
For more information or apply for housing visit the ECC website or email eccreslife@iavalley.edu.
Staff Directory
A fully searchable online Staff Directory is available on the College website.
Testing Services
The College offers placement testing and Math and English Course Challenge tests. To schedule placement
tests, contact the Hub. To take a Math or English Course Challenge test, go to the Osgood Library. Math
Challenge tests may be taken during Library hours. Writing Challenge tests may be taken during summer
orientations and at the conclusion of each semester. Those taking the tests must show a current student ID.
TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS)
TRIO is a set of federally-funded programs designed to ensure equal educational opportunities. Ellsworth
Community College was awarded TRIO grants in 2010 and 2015 related to student support services. TRIO
Student Support Services (SSS), which is located in the Hub in the lower level of Kruse Main Hall, helps inspire
and support students in their pursuit of a degree as they transition to college. On average, students who
participate in TRIO SSS are more likely to graduate than eligible students who don't join the program.
FREE support services available to students accepted into TRIO SSS:
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Topic specific workshops, including financial literacy
Grant aid and/or financial support to qualified students
One-on-one advising, including registration and scheduling with SSS staff
Transfer counseling
Trips to the state universities (Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa and
University of Iowa)
College credit courses, exclusively for participants.
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
Eligibility for TRIO SSS is determined by federal regulations. To qualify, you must be a full-time ECC student, a
U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and meet at least one of the following criteria:
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Be a first generation college student (neither parent has a four-year bachelor's degree)
Have a disability that can be documented
Demonstrate financial need (did you qualify for a Pell grant?)
To be considered for TRIO SSS, students must fill out an application form, available in the Hub or on the TRIO
SSS page of the College website. Because this is a federally-funded program, spaces are limited. Program
availability for 2016-17 is contingent upon federal grant approval.
Veterans Information
VA Vocational Rehabilitation assists veterans who are disabled by providing career counseling, vocational
training, and employment placement. Information concerning veterans’ benefits may be obtained from Mary
Weaver in the Business Office in Gentle Student Center, upstairs. Academic advising and career counseling
for veterans are available through the Hub.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) is an agency of the Iowa Department of Education, which
provides services to individuals with disabilities to help them prepare for, find and maintain employment.
Eligibility for services is determined based upon the presence of a disability which constitutes substantial
impediments to employment and the need for services in order to achieve a successful employment
outcome. Services that may be provided could include vocational assessment and counseling, assistive aids
and devices, financial assistance for vocational training, and job placement assistance and follow up.
For more information or to apply for services contact Rhonda Draisey, IVRS Vocational Rehabilitation
Counselor, or Kathy Davis, IVRS Rehabilitation Associate (641-352-7942). The IVRS office is in the lower level
of Kruse Main Hall just east of the Hub. You can also learn more online at www.iowa.ivrs.gov.
Student Engagement (Activities & Organizations)
There are numerous opportunities to become engaged as a student at ECC. Leadership experiences are
available for all those who want to get involved, be entertained, and help contribute to ECC’s campus life.
Students wishing to start a new organization or activity should contact the Student Engagement/Athletics
Coordinator.
Athletics
Opportunity is offered for participation by both men and women in intercollegiate basketball; for men in
baseball, football and wrestling; and for women in softball and volleyball. The College is a member of the
Iowa Community College Athletic Conference and the National Junior College Athletic Association. If
interested in intercollegiate athletics, contact Nate Forsyth, Director of Athletics & Student Life, in the Dale
Howard Center.
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
A student participating in intercollegiate athletics is required to have a physical examination and file a health
history report prior to enrollment. Student-athletes are also required to provide proof of health insurance
coverage.
Clubs & Organizations
Several campus clubs and organizations offer leadership opportunities and social activities, including Ag
Science Club, Art Club, Business Professionals of America, College Republicans, Conservation Club, Criminal
Justice Club, Education Club, Horse Judging Team, Impact, Intercollegiate Horse Show Association,
International Student Club, LGBTQ, Music (vocal and instrumental), Non-Traditional Student Group, One
Book Project, Panther Service Projects, Phi Theta Kappa, Social/Behavioral Science Club (SBSC), Spirit Squads,
STEM Club and Student Government.
Convocations
Speakers, musical performances, and other events of interest and value to students are presented
throughout the year. On an as-needed basis, morning classes at ECC may be shortened to 45 minutes,
allowing for a 45 minute session for convocations, special events and activities. All students will be expected
to be in attendance, unless otherwise notified. The revised class schedule will be published when special
events have been scheduled and announced.
8:00 - 8:45 am
8:50 - 9:35 am
9:40 - 10:25 am
10:30 - 11:15 am
11:20 am - 12:05 pm
12:10 pm
Afternoon classes
8:00 am classes meet
9:00 am classes meet
10:00 am classes meet
Special Event/Convocation
11:00 am classes meet
Noon classes begin
Regular schedule
Requests for scheduling convocations, special events, and activities are to be brought to the attention of the
Provost for authorization before class schedules are modified.
Intramurals
ECC offers a broad program of intramural sports, including flag football, softball, basketball, and volleyball.
Other programs are offered when interest is shown. If interested, check the College website.
Music
The College choir, band, and small group ensembles are open to all interested students. The band and choir
provide music for social functions, concerts, pep rallies, patriotic programs, and athletic events. Music
scholarships are available.
Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Iota Omega Chapter
Alpha Iota Omega is a chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.
Membership is by invitation only, based on academic achievement. Induction ceremonies are held twice a
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ECC Student Handbook 2016-2017
year. Current ECC chapter criteria include a minimum of 12 academic credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.25
in a degree-seeking program. To remain active members, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at
least 3.0. For more information, see the College catalog or contact chapter advisor Dr. Lisa Stock (641-6488633).
Spirit Squads
The Spirit Squads consist of a cheer team, dance team and mascot that perform at home football and
basketball games; tryouts are held in the fall and spring.
Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors serve as representatives for Ellsworth Community College. Ambassadors are chosen
through an application process and receive a scholarship for the year. They serve as hosts at College
functions such as Family Day, Homecoming and Career Days. They are also asked to serve as guides for
campus tours, do some public speaking, participate in promotional events, and promote Ellsworth to
prospective students.
Student Senate
The Student Senate is the voice of the student body and operates under an officially adopted constitution. All
students are eligible to vote in the annual election of members. The purpose of the Senate is to provide a
clearinghouse for students’ plans, ideas, and sentiments; give the students a larger representative voice in
the affairs of the College; and foster a responsible organization through which students and faculty may be
brought together in mutual and helpful cooperation. Student Senate members may receive College credit for
participation.
Youth For Understanding (YFU)
ECC is one of several community colleges across the country involved with the Youth for Understanding (YFU)
international student exchange program; ECC has been involved with the YFU program since 2011. The YFU
Community College Program provides students from around the globe with the opportunity to pursue
college level academic studies while living with host families in the community who reflect American values.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the program may contact Tina Ruch-Wesselmann (641-6488524).
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